Media release – 6 March 2019

Connecting former refugees with IT in Stokes Valley, 6-7 April

Stokes Valley will host the first ever Techfugees NZ Hackathon at the Koraunui Community Hub on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 April.

Techfugees NZ Chapter Co-Lead, Rochelle Stewart-Allen, says it’s exciting to bring a global movement to Wellington. “Hackathons are being held all over the world. Our first event in Stokes Valley will connect refugee background and tech communities, and empower attendees with technology, guidance and mentoring,” says Stewart-Allen.

“Hackathons are essentially creative problem-solving workshops, and this one will create solutions to help with the refugee journey and settlement and welcome former refugees into the local tech community.” There are only 50 places available at the 6-7 April event.

Stewart-Allen, also Chief Executive of HOST International NZ, says this will be the first of a number of Techfugees NZ hackathons in New Zealand. “Technology is a catalyst for inclusion, and our goal is to empower displaced people and former refugees with technology.”

After the participants have spent the weekend generating creative solutions, their efforts will be judged by a panel and the winners announced on Sunday afternoon.

The Founding Partner is Host International NZ and ChangeMakers Resettlement Forum is the Community Partner.

There will be roving mentors to help the participants every step of the way.

Techfugees is located in 25 countries and has grown into a community of nearly 18,000 innovators, via social media and taking part in hundreds of dedicated events around the world, including more than 30 hackathons and a Global Summit.

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