Asian Community Transformation Trust

The Asian Community Transformation Trust (ACTT) is a charitable trust based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our mission is to serve as a bridge between Asian communities, wider society, and public services.

New Zealand’s unique bicultural and multicultural landscape has evolved since 1840, with Asian communities now forming a significant and growing presence. While Aotearoa is known for its welcoming spirit, the needs of many Asian migrants often go unmet. This became painfully clear after the tragic loss of two young people in a local Chinese church, highlighting the silent struggles within our communities.

Migrants face complex challenges: isolation from family, cultural and language barriers, and the difficulties of raising third-culture children. Many also encounter stereotypes, uncertainty around mental health, and confusion about how to access support services. These challenges point to the urgent need for greater awareness and stronger support systems.

ACTT was born from conversations among Asian Christian youth workers who saw the power of collaboration. In May 2020, under Te Raranga Support Trust and in partnership with HeartSpace, we delivered mental health coaching to over 100 students. In September 2021, we registered as an independent charitable trust, and in June 2022, we appointed our first manager to grow the trust’s reach and impact.