Appointed July 2023

Bishnu is a social worker at Te Whatu Ora, Ōtautahi Christchurch.  He specialises in mental health support for migrants and people with a refugee background.

Bishnu is originally from Nepal and arrived in New Zealand in 2006 as a refugee.  His wide professional experience includes being a school principal in Nepal and working in a range of mental health roles in Christchurch supporting refugee background communities. He speaks Nepali, Hindi and English.  

“I am proud to be based in Christchurch, known as the garden city, and I am honoured to be a member of the Ethnic Advisory Group in English Language Partners. I am excited about the opportunity to collaborate with all of you and contribute to our shared goals.”

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Appointed in August 2025

Godel is a refugee & disability rights activist, originally from the D.R Congo.  He is a multilingual speaker (English, French, Swahili, Lingala, Kirundi, Isizulu) and understands the power of language in building connection, understanding cultures, and facilitating social integration. His passion is to promote a successful community integration for refugees with special needs.

Godel is basedin Hamilton.

“I love the work of ELP, and I am very happy to serve on the Ethic Advisory Committee. I believe that language is a key for social interaction and integration.’’

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Appointed in August 2025

Nada is originally from Syria.  She is  passionate about supporting people in the community to integrate.  Nada is currently working as a settlement youth worker at New Zealand Red Cross while finishing her Bachelor of Science (psychology) at Otago University.  Nada is also a member of the government’s National Refugee Advisory Panel that works to support government decision-makers and policy developers on matters impacting refugees in New Zealand.

Nada is based in Dunedin.

Appointed August 2023

Raihana was a judge in Afghanistan before she came to New Zealand in 2021. Raihana is studying law at Auckland University so that she can practise law in New Zealand. She first connected with English Language Partners as a student and is now a member of our Ethnic Advisory Group.

Raihana is based in Auckland.

“I love New Zealand and the compassionate people of this beautiful land. It is my great pleasure to be a member of Ethnic Advisory Group.”

Appointed August 2023

Rizwaana’s background is nursing and midwifery and for the last ten years she has been working in community engagement in a range of public and private sector roles. Rizwaana is from South Africa and arrived in New Zealand over 23 years ago. She is based in Hawke's Bay.

“I am passionate about building capability and resilience in our community for people to realise their full potential, to feel included and safe in our communities”

Appointed August 2023

Rula is a senior policy advisor at Dunedin City Council.  She is a Palestinian Kiwi with a background in civil engineering and business administration. She has a Ph.D. from the University of Otago's National Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies | Te Ao o Rongomaraeroa.  She is based in in Ōtepoti, Dunedin

‍“Serving on the Ethnic Advisory Committee for ELP combines two of my passions: languages and volunteering for community organisations that pave the way for social equity.”

Appointed August 2023

Shamsunnisa is originally from India and came to New Zealand in 2003.  She attended classes at English Language Partners Rotorua.   Shamsunnisa has run her own businesses including as a car dealer and is an active member of her Rotorua community.  She is a founding member of the Rotorua Islamic Womens’ Group.  She is based in Rotorua.

“I love living in Rotorua, its natural geothermal activity makes it a unique place for people in Rotorua and around the world. It's my pleasure to be a member of the Ethnic Advisory Group and I am looking forward to contributing.”

Appointed in August 2025

Sofonias is a software engineer.  Alongside his work in the tech sector, he is actively involved in the local Eritrean community through youth mentoring, cultural advocacy and community building.

He says that as someone who has navigated the journey of migration, he cares deeply about supporting others to feel a sense of belonging and purpose in Aotearoa.

Sofonias is based in Christchurch.

“Being part of EAG is important to me because I want to help create spaces where people from all backgrounds feel seen, supported, and empowered.  Language is one of the key tools for that, and I’m proud to support this kaupapa.”