Foreword from the Chair

Tēnā koutou katoa, 

Welcome to the Belong Aotearoa Annual Report, and I am proud to introduce this report at the end of my first year as Chair of the Board of Trustees. 

This is also time to reflect on the first three years of our strategy of systems change and innovation. The Board has been reflecting on the successes of the approach, and the learning that informs us as we look to the future. I am excited about the strategy refresh that we are about to undertake, building on the work to date.

We are grateful to our funders for their acknowledgement of the need to shift the conditions that hold inequity in place, and their faith in Belong Aotearoa to take a leading and wayfinding role in this work.

I would also like to acknowledge and thank my fellow Trustees; Lynette Adams, Dr Elizabeth Fitton-Higgins, Deborah James, Nurain Janah, Tayyaba Khan, Taufil Omar, Maretha Smit, Rahul Watson Govindan, who have given their time, their expertise and their heart to this mahi.

I fully believe in the path we chose to bring us to where we are now, that has focused on:

  • working towards equitable access to employment and enterprise for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds

  • reducing social isolation experienced by women from refugee and migrant backgrounds

  • identifying and reducing the gaps and barriers to collaboration within the ethnic community sector

  • reducing the barriers to civic participation and integration caused by wider societal attitudes and discrimination towards newcomer communities.

Rochana, our Chief Executive, and the team have worked over the past three years in previously uncharted territory with curiosity, passion and commitment. I am very proud of the body of work the team has delivered again this year, working collaboratively with the communities we serve and our partner organisations, that you can read about in the report. 

In 2021, the global pandemic, including the current (as I write) Delta outbreak, has continued to expose the entrenched inequities that are well-known to those who live and work in our communities.

Over and above the impacts within Aotearoa New Zealand of COVID-19 and resulting lockdowns, the lack of ability to travel out of and into the country to be with family members, impacts migrant whānau and communities at the most fundamental levels of human connection. For many in our team of 5 million there have been long periods of separation from family, as well as uncertainty about their own visa and employment positions. Anxieties have been exacerbated by events around the world, including the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan.

There are positives. The establishment of a Ministry for Ethnic Communities and the immigration policy review present opportunities for the voices of migrant communities to help shape a future Aotearoa that acknowledges the value of diversity and inclusion and treats human beings as more than units of production.

I’m proud of the role that Belong Aotearoa plays in bringing together communities and colleagues from across the sector. Collectively we are stronger. We don’t have to agree on everything - our diversity is our strength - but with shared values and a focus on listening, learning and inclusion, bringing together our skills and knowledge, together we can lead a shift in Aotearoa New Zealand, a place where we all belong.

Nāu te rourou, nāku te rourou ka ora ai te iwi.  

With your food basket and my food basket, the people will be well.

(Māori whakataukī)

Ngā manaakitanga, 

Tracey Moore

Message from CEO

During the past year I am grateful to the Belong Aotearoa staff who quickly adjusted to lock down and identified ways we could support the communities, pivoting to webinars online mat times being very resourceful and creative, as well as working with different providers to bring updated information access to services and practical support. And at the same time, we have seen some of our early systems change work coming to fruition and a deeper understanding and insights of the challenges that the communities we work with face, for us our work has had three themes over the past year.

·  Collaboration ·  Amplifying voices ·  Advocating for change ·

In this report we highlight some of our work we have done including, collaboration with others trailing and testing new ways of working to address some of the persistent barriers that become a challenge to the communities we work with. The work we do isn’t easy at times, not just because of the challenges but also from hearing the lived experiences of the inequalities people experience every day. Yet through this work we add to our insights that guide our work. For example, our research on the impacts of COVID on migrants helped give us a map and give emphasis on key areas we needed to focus on or more on, which included racism, access to information, job insecurity.

There have been many highlights that are illustrated in our annual report. I would like to acknowledge some of the collaborative work we have done and are starting to do which is key for us in creating inclusion and a true sense of belonging. Collaborations such as the Tūmanako Summit with ARSSG and ongoing work with Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga broad based Alliance; examples of work that has provided opportunities to share knowledge, develop our understanding and experience of our communities, and of what collaboration can look like.

Thank you to our funders who enable us to resource this work and for our Board who continue to provide intelligent guidance, support, and oversight of Belong Aotearoa initiatives. Our work is evident of not only the passion of our staff and strength of community, but also of the support and belief in our kaupapa, that pushes for an Aotearoa, where we all belong.

Thank you to all who champion our communities.

Rochana Sheward

 
 

VISION:

An inclusive, connected New Zealand where newcomer communities are able to enjoy and contribute towards our collective wellbeing and prosperity.

MISSION:

The Mission is driving innovation to improve newcomer settlement and integration.

 
 

FOCUS AREAS

 

  • Equitable access to employment and enterprise for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds



  • Social isolation experienced by women from refugee and migrant backgrounds.



  • Gaps and barriers to collaboration within the ethnic community sector.



  • Barriers to civic participation and integration caused by wider societal attitudes and discrimination towards newcomer communities.

 

OUR JOURNEY: BELONG AOTEAROA

 
 

We know that in order to make real shifts towards fulfilling our vision and mission, we need action that is innovative, sustainable and empowering for our communities. Our strategy is focused on systems change that looks at addressing the root causes of prevalent challenges that hinder inclusion, connection and wellbeing.

 
 

This past year has been full of changes so how is it that we drive positive change, when the world is continuously changing? The answer we’ve come to, to date, is building connections and relationships. Strengthening connections and relationships that energize people and communities, that open dialogue, that spark ideas and new ways of working and living, that ultimately empower and drive change. It’s meant that our work been varied as we prototype alongside community and key stakeholders what new systems could look like in employment, in social settings, for our multicultural sector and for wellbeing. Throughout our work as a result it’s highlighted our key approaches that help us to drive change together: 

Collaboration:  Whilst there are many barriers and challenges our communities face, there is also strength, creativity, and a passion for a vision of Aotearoa where we all belong. It goes beyond convening our sector, communities, and key stakeholder

Collaboration

Whilst there are many barriers and challenges our communities face, there is also strength, creativity, and a passion for a vision of Aotearoa where we all belong. It goes beyond convening our sector, communities, and key stakeholders, but moves towards action through collaboration by determining together common goals. Systems changing innovations, policies, partnerships, and resource flows that are sustainable requires collaboration..

Amplifying Voices:

Community is at the heart of our work, and it’s important that throughout our initiatives there is an opportunity to amplify the voices of our communities; the voices of those with lived experiences. As organisations, we have a responsibility to not only serve our communities but to empower them, to be present, to lead and to be actively involved in spaces that impact them. It speaks to the power of storytelling in sparking change. 

Advocating for Change

As we collaborate and amplify voices an importance piece is around advocating for change. It takes our collaborative learnings and community voices and pushes it towards action for what needs to change and what it can change to. It’s more than just sharing our learnings and calling for actions, but it’s about change-makers and those that hold power in systems the opportunity to be part of our shared vision that draw out the shared values of equality, creativity, and social justice.

 

Tūmanako Summit 

The Summit held over three days brought together changemakers from around Aotearoa, from government, community, non-profits, and service providers who want to make a positive difference to the settlement journeys of resettled communities (people from forced migrant/former refugee backgrounds). (moving to a national voice)

#PassTheMic 

A community-led media campaign, cross-cultural understanding training and media hui promoting inclusion, through story sharing, anti-racism education, training and sessions to support media engagement, facilitation and leadership capabilities.

Co-location

To improve a sense of belonging and wellbeing for former refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, a facility has been secured to provide a ‘one-stop shop’ to enable services providers to efficiently deliver their support, reduce duplication, increase accessibility to communities and encourage networking and collaboration between services. Thanks to Planet FM, a facility has been secured with $1.6M raised for this shared hub.

Social work report launch

Sharing the collaborative research findings around the bespoke needs of former refugee and marginalised migrant communities in New Zealand that enhanced the knowledge pool on responding to their communities and deepen insights and learning to help inform practice, advise policy and support resourcing.


 

Tūhonohono Diversity

A range of initiatives to celebrate diversity and support collaboration in the Henderson-Massey Local Board area. Treaty workshops, A book of stories and Intercultural Dinner were mechanisms supporting community engagement that helped build a greater sense of belonging for local diverse ethnic communities.

Migrant Experiences in the time of COVID

A survey report focusing on 160 people born overseas and currently living in Auckland and their experiences in the time of COVID. The findings highlight the vulnerability of migrant communities exasperated in the time of COVID and the need for a whole of society approach, where empathy and collective action is needed for collective wellbeing.


Belonging Through Employment 

A subsidised internship programme that matched the unique skills, talents, and experiences of partners of skilled migrants to businesses through an up to three-month paid internship

Kahika

Programme for former refugee and migrant background women to grow their confidence, readiness, and skills to achieve your aspirations through learning opportunities, mentoring and more.

#Heard #Recognised #Understood #Resourced

These were the key words that resonated at the Tūmanako Summit, that brought together changemakers from across Aotearoa, New Zealand. 

The Summit was organised by Belong Aotearoa, Asylum Seekers Support Trust and Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition, with the idea stemming from the collective vision of the Auckland Resettlement Sector Steering Group (ARSSG). ARSSG vision is for resettlement/settlement processes in Aotearoa that enables all former refugees (Quota, Convention, Family Reunification, and people who seek asylum) to have equitable access to culturally appropriate support and services for them to be self-sufficient and thrive in their new home. 

For the ARSSG national summit in June 2021, the vision was to create a space for changemakers across community, government, non-government organisations, and academia, to come together and explore system wide solutions and opportunities. The summit amplified the voices of people with lived experience to shape and inform the system.

Over 100 people attended the summit, with there being a strong call to action for a unified national voice, led by people with lived experience, to disrupt the system that currently doesn’t work for former refugees. As a result, an interim working group was formed, and a National Alliance of like-minded organisations being developed following the summit. The National Alliance is backboned by Belong Aotearoa, to facilitate the systems change agenda forward. 

 
 
 
 
 
 

The Refugee Alliance is a new collective of member organisations advocating for systemic change to create positive settlement journeys and brighter futures for refugees in Aotearoa. The Alliance strengthens connection, coordination and collaboration between NGOs, community groups and their allies to collectively advocate for change.

Membership is free in 2021. Visit the website or email info@refugeealliance.org.nz for more information and to express interest in your organisation becoming a member. Together we are stronger!

 

Racism underpins many of the challenges experienced across different systems in New Zealand that is seen on a systemic level, right down to an individual level. From our hui, post-Christchurch attacks, our community was calling for media campaign, that would challenge racism and promote inclusion. 

Together with Auckland City Central Library we hosted a hui to further develop this idea that asked attendees “what does an inclusion campaign looks like for them?”. The ideas shared were varied but with a clear theme around amplifying diverse voices and to challenge racism through allyship. 

A working group was formed with expertise across migrant, former refugee, Māori, Pacific and Pākehā communities that co-designed #PassTheMic; a community-led media campaign which aimed to strengthen inclusion and belonging for migrants and former refugees in NZ. The aim was to challenge racism through allyship, amplify the voices of migrants and former refugees and to ensure they are the ones who speak for their communities.

 

Utilising social media, the campaign was able to reach a wider audience, sharing stories that resonated with people and supporting people to take action that helped in their own journey in allyship. 

The campaign ran for six weeks and was multifaceted. Beyond sharing the stories of migrant and former refugee communities in ways that was meaningful for them and providing resources and ways for people to be allies, it also provided several other engagement opportunities for people to #PassTheMic through capability and capacity. 

We had a media hui that brought together experts from Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tahono, Amnesty International Aotearoa NZ and LeAd, who shared tips and advice to help communities in their media engagement. 

 
 
 

We also ran a cross-cultural understanding programme that focused on supporting existing and upcoming community leaders around facilitation and leadership that helps them in their roles to amplify their communities’ voices. The programme was highly interactive, having participants learn theory and frameworks whilst also having an element that encouraged people to put to practice what they had learned. 

#PassTheMic has also been applied on a local level, with Henderson-Massey local board through a book of stories, showcasing the diverse communities in the area and sharing their unique stories.

Challenging racism is a huge task but we know the power of storytelling, to not only present facts and experiences, but more importantly shifting beliefs and attitudes. We know that change doesn’t happen overnight, and is hard to measure, but when we give space for communities to share their lived experiences, it gives space for the richness of their insights to shape the very systems that hinder us all. 

 
 

Engagement with the campaign was higher than average and the comments were largely positive. 

The campaign was also picked up by mainstream media such as Stuff and Breakfast TV1, further extending its reach. 

A survey was disseminated widely to the public on social media and to Belong Aotearoa networks. Respondents found it valuable. In addition to sharing resources, when asked what they were doing differently as a result of the campaign, respondents said they were adding their name to anti-racism submissions, were sharing anti-racism content, and encouraging people to speak up. 


“[I have been] reading up on the plight of minority groups in media articles. Discussing issues with students, teachers and friends, pointing the finger at myself and monitoring my own reactions and behaviour" 


“I found myself being more aware of racist content online, adding my name to anti-racism petitions, retweeting anti-racism tweets … using the analogy of passing the mic to others so we can hear their voices.”

 

 Understanding Social Work Provision to Former Refugee and Marginalised Migrant Communities in Auckland 

The experiences of former refugee and migrants in Auckland highlighted several challenges in service provision around social work, in accessing culturally appropriate support, the value of social work for these communities and the sustainability of resourcing bespoke social work services and other complimentary community support.

However much of this evidence was anecdotal and so a group of NGOs including Belong Aotearoa, UMMA Trust, RASNZ, NZ Red Cross, Asylum Seekers Support Trust, Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition and Family Action decided to collaborate on research that would address this. 

Based on their collective mission/roles supporting New Zealand’s former refugee and migrant background communities, the research purpose was to develop an evidence base that would build understanding about the social work need and roles, in relation to re/settlement and wellbeing and identify opportunities for collective action towards.

The findings highlighted the highest need communities, the key social work needs, what bespoke social work for these communities looks like and the opportunities to move forward. 

Migrant Experiences in the time of COVID

Amplifying voices of our communities enables diverse perspectives and experiences to be heard, to then help shape our understanding of issues and solutions that are truly transformative and regenerative. COVID-19 offered a pressing opportunity for Belong Aotearoa to further look at the plight of newcomer communities and amplify their voices. 

Belong Aotearoa undertook research to gather the experiences of migrant communities living in Auckland, focusing on 160 people born overseas. The research report highlighted the vulnerability of recent migrant in Aotearoa, New Zealand during a global crisis; and the systemic barriers to a positive settlement journey that existed pre-COVID yet to be fully addressed. Both creating a more complex environment to navigate during extraordinary times.

Based on our findings, migrant experiences during COVID are encapsulated by what we term as the ‘4Rs’, namely:

Risks to Wellbeing

RISKS TO WELLBEING

The effects of COVID on individual and collective well-being cannot be understated, especially among migrant communities. As shared by our respondents, the effects of COVID-19 are complex and far-reaching.

Re-rooting & Re-routing of racism

Re-rooting & Re-routing of racism

Our research supports what has been widely reported regarding the spike in micro-aggressions towards migrants and racially motivated attacks especially involving ethnic minorities from Asian backgrounds due to COVID-19. Racism has been re-rooted in a time of extreme uncertainty and re-routed virtually, magnifying deep-seated intolerance and divisiveness that counters social cohesion.

Restricted access to covid-related support & information

Restricted access to covid-related support & information

Despite urgency of channelling correct information and avoiding misinformation, there remains great concern around accessing timely and translated COVID-19 updates with confusion around provided information, support access and delivery, further impacted by visa status.

Reskilling Relocation if not Re-migration

Reskilling Relocation if not Re-migration

As a result of the previous challenges, our research identified migrant aspirations around reskilling and gaining new skills to enhance the chances of keeping their jobs and preventing potential job loss. Some respondents expressed wanting to leave New Zealand and re-migrating to another country.

One of the reasons we move countries or even just cities, is in search of new work opportunities. It can be exciting, stressful, and tiring searching for a job. When applications are rejected or get no response, it can be depressing and hard not to take personal. 

For many migrants, this is often their reality. Despite their extensive skills, experience, and education in their profession, many struggle to find employment. In areas, where there is high demand, migrants are still struggling to find work with many having to secure employment that is below their expertise or look beyond their profession. 

Some of the challenges identified for migrants were around the lack of understanding the New Zealand job market, lack of New Zealand work experience, English language skills and racism and discrimination. 

These challenges were also still relevant regardless of the demand for workers across sectors and the perspective of job availability portrayed overseas to potential migrants, they are still struggling to not only find employment but also find employment that matches their skills, experience, and education level. 

We wanted to test how internships might eliminate barriers to help employers recruit skilled migrants easily into their organisations and help partners of skilled migrants re-establish their careers.

The pilot successfully bridged the gap between employees and employers, supporting seven skilled migrants to achieve positive employment outcomes and re-establish their careers in NZ, while enabling employers to tap into an underutilised talent pool.

cross-cultural learning

Interns brought a wealth of skills, fresh ideas, and perspectives and were productive and positive.

Key Insights

  1. The living wage subsidy provided by Belong Aotearoa was a key enabler for host organisations to join the internship pilot.

  2. Belong Aotearoa found high-quality candidates and made the recruitment process seamless.

  3. A less formal interview process put candidates at ease and provided a friendly environment for host organisations to confidently choose the interns that matched the roles they had to offer.

  4. Host organisations were impressed by interns' skills, productivity, positive attitudes, fresh ideas and perspectives.

  5. One of the greatest strengths of the internship pilot was the opportunities for cross-cultural learning.

  6. Interns felt the 3-month paid internship helped them regain their confidence, improved their mental health and well-being, and increased their sense of belonging.

  7. The extent to which interns were struggling before applying for the internship indicates there is a huge gap between skilled migrants looking for work and people who need their skills and knowledge in their sectors.

  8. Host organisations value diverse workforces and are committed to supporting skilled migrants into employment, however there are many challenges for employers and potential employees when tackling this on their own. They would not have the capacity to set up their own internship programme in-house.

  9. Interns felt they were able to share and contribute their ideas, perspectives, skills and be productive in their new workplace. Many felt if the internship were longer, they could support some of the new ideas to be implemented.

  10. The internship has supported interns to understand more about New Zealand workplace culture and increased their confidence speaking English in professional settings. Interns wanted more opportunities to grow their knowledge and confidence around communication in the workplace.

  11. The internship opened doors and opportunities for interns, through offering local experience, references, and networking opportunities. For some, they explained the pilot as providing a bridge between skilled migrants and employers.

During the up to three-month paid internship, employers found the interns brought a wealth of skills, fresh ideas, and perspectives and were productive and positive. Their teams particularly benefitted from the cross-cultural learning. 

Interns learned more about NZ workplace culture, grew their networks, regained their confidence, improved their mental wellbeing and felt a greater sense of belonging. Following the internship, all interns found employment which utilises their skills, and employers are committed to supporting migrants into employment and creating more diverse workforces.

Whilst the impact is limited to seven skilled migrants and five workplaces, the key insights generated will inform the future work of Belong Aotearoa and others to bridge the gap.

“It (the interview) lasted an hour, and we talked a lot, I felt super comfortable, and they were really kind. We had a really good conversation, so I felt good in the interview” - Intern

“(Belong Aotearoa) had done all the good work. They had already profiled this person, and we were able to match the role with the personality, knowing already that they are probably quite a good fit, so it is just a matter of interviewing them” - Host organisation

“What was great was having Belong Aotearoa’s continued support. I felt there was someone there for me when I needed it” - Intern

“It is a two-way thing, we have learnt a lot about her, her culture and family which has been enlightening to us” - Host organisation

WISE Women 

Empowering former refugee and migrant background women is a key part of the WISE Collective project. For over six years, the project has supported over 1500 women through opportunities for education, employment, and enterprise, to help them achieve their needs, wants and aspirations.

WISE not only has supported many women through it’s different sessions, workshops and activities but also through it’s leadership, with staff and volunteers belonging to and reflecting the community they serve. The programme has provided many opportunities including the creation of the social enterprise WISE Catering, that built on the skills of women in WISE, providing them with an opportunity to share their cooking and baking talents in a way that shared their culture and enabled them to gain employment. 

With WISE as it’s foundation, the project has been redesigned with others, to create even better outcomes for women from migrant and former refugee background women called Kahika. The changes were reflective of not only the development and evolution of WISE but also of the women we work for.

Kahika 

Kahika programme aims to address the needs of marginalised migrant women who need viable pathways to progress their education, employment, and enterprise opportunities. A programme coordinator and five mentors supported women to complete a 12-week programme.

The Kahika programme was developed in response to Belong Aotearoa research findings on the impact of COVID-19 on vulnerable migrant families and communities. The following research insights informed the programme design:

  • The pandemic had increased anxiety among vulnerable communities, negatively impacting their sense of financial security and social connectedness. Participants were anxious about the potential impact if the income-earner in their family lost their job.

  • A particular gap identified was marginalised migrants and forced migrant women who need viable pathways to progress their education, employment, and enterprise opportunities.

  • Women want to find new ways to develop and broaden their competencies and connections within a structured and integrated approach.

  • Current ready-for-work type programmes are more suited to people who have a greater grasp of English and are more socially connected.

The Kahika pilot included te ao Māori, leadership, employment preparedness and self-development. The programme ran for two days per week with participants attending workshops, group mentoring sessions, and undertaking self-directed learning toward achieving their individual goals.

15 migrant women participated.

 

Safari Project 

The first 1000 days of a child’s life is so important to setting the foundation for positive future outcomes, and through Safari, we’re able to support migrant and former refugee families as they create strong foundations. 

The Safari Project supports refugee and migrant mothers and children (0-5 years old) by providing playgroups for parents and children, that provide safe, culturally appropriate spaces to play, build connections and learn new skills and information.  In addition to providing opportunities for children to learn through play, it does address isolation by providing social support networks for mothers with young children, along with information about Aotearoa New Zealand and connections to the services that are available to families locally and nationally. Safari not only helps prepare children for school, but families for life in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“I have joined Safari after the first lockdown. I was referred by ATWC and they told me it’s a nice service. I was not sure how to manage to come with my 5 months old baby. But Safari playgroup leader explain it nicely how could I get in van there. This is an amazing service too. I could meet some mums here who can speak my language. Our English teacher support us very well. She teach me how to attend the parent teacher meeting. The TANI [Healthy Babies Healthy Futures] programme is amazing. I am very happy that I have joined Safari.”

“Safari is being very supportive. Programmes are designed to encourage the mums and kids to be active. Actually, Safari and the team is itself an encouragement for many families to come out of their home and join something fruitful. Last term we have received GBB delicacies and mums and kids enjoyed it a lot. Also the variety of new equipment are very good. My son loves the Mat time most. We wish Safari should support us for a long time.”


We have learnt so much in this past year that has given us insight into our focus areas, positively impacted communities, contributed to our long-term goals in our vision and mission, but most importantly has informed us, about our next steps. Systems change work is one that is ever-evolving and especially in the time of COVID, that is continuing to set new norms of working and living. Informed by our community, research here and overseas, although the impact of COVID is vast and not full yet realised, what we do know, is that there are always opportunities to connect, be inclusive and for wellbeing.

Here is just a snapshot of some of the upcoming work we look forward to sharing with you in our next update:

Better Together Peer Support Network

Having a network of support is so essential for building a sense of community and belonging. For those working in the non-profit space recognise the importance of connection for our communities, but often the opportunity to connect amongst front-line workers across the sector is rare and not resourced. There are few spaces and opportunities for people working in the non-profit multicultural sector to come together to share, support and learn from one another. The opportunities are even fewer for those outside of the health sector that usually have supervision or peer support built into their profession. 

Facilitated by Annie Ualesi, Co-Founder of CALLED, we are co-creation a community of practice (COP) for front-line change agents that builds systems thinking capability and provides tools and techniques to strengthen everyday practice. Already it is becoming a place of professional development, critical discussion, systems change thinking and wellbeing, as people passionate about community, ensure they have a community too; strengthening our community but supporting our staff in the sector.

#PassTheMic Podcast

We’re continuing our work amplifying diverse voices and this time with the coordination of amazing and creative Storyo Co-Founder, Elina Ashimbayeva in a podcast series. In collaboration with Planet FM and Sport Waitakere, we’re currently in the process of recruiting 15 people to share their stories and speak about topics important to them.

We love hearing our communities stories and through these podcasts are creating an opportunity for communities to create a sense of belonging, spotlight diverse voices and experiences, showcase authentic connection and vulnerability, change narratives, and all shaped alongside our community and collaborators. We can’t wait to share these podcasts so watch this space.

Tūhonohono Diversity

Building on the success of a range of initiatives, we’re developing the next phases of each such as the Treaty Workshops. Alongside Tangata Tiriti - Treaty People, we’re supporting the delivery of workshops to train ethnic communities to become facilitators, to be able to support the ongoing learning in diverse ethnic communities of The Treaty of Waitangi. Be sure to check out the Tangata Tiriti easy read resources and videos to see how their work is supporting diverse communities to understand The Treaty.

As we remember all the wonderful people and organisations that have supported us, worked with us and cheered us on this year, we think of this proverb

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together”

We know that there are great challenges in trying to achieve an inclusive Aotearoa for our communities, but also know that there are also great opportunities as well. Opportunities for connection, innovation, community and wellbeing which you’ve all contributed to. So from all of us here at Belong Aotearoa, thank you and we look forward to continuing to work with you in the future.

 

 Amnesty International Aotearoa New Zealand: Jason Garman

Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition

Asylum Seekers Support Trust

Auckland Council

Auckland Foundation

Auckland North Newcomers

Auckland Pilipino Trust

Auckland Resettlement Sector Steering Group (ARSSG)

Auckland Transport

Belonging Through Employment Interns: Sarandha Shastri, Murajia Mikaeil, Hongxia Qi, Carolina Galindo, Lily Tran, Aggie Plappally, Ashley Han

Catapult Consulting

COGS

Co-location (Shared Hub) Steering Group

Community Waitakere

Connected Communities Youth Interns: Chikita Kodikal, Sarah Afsharpur, Weaam Bassiouni, Laya Rasooli, Caryn Yachinta, Jaanvi Mohindra

DIA Ethics Community Development Fund (CDF)

Diversity Works

Elections Webinar Community In-Language Facilitators: Forough Amin, Mahtab Kahaki, Nasra Bottan, Anmar Taufeek, Amie Se

Electoral Commission

English Language Partners Auckland Central & West

English Language Partners New Zealand: James Ashwell

Family Action

Foundation North

Give-A-Little Donators

Global Lighthouse: Tili and Pete

Good Bitches Baking (GBB)

Hau Rawiri

Henderson-Massey Local Board

HOST International NZ YS added

Immigration NZ, MBIE: Karen Read, Astrid van Holten & Anastasia Sherry

Inclusive Aotearoa Collective Tāhono: Anjum Rahman

Inland Revenue - Sudhir Sagar

Jan Brown

Janet Tuitama

Japan Kauri Education Trust

JR McKenzie Trust

Kahika Mentors: Amrit Kaur, Dr Fasiha Subhan, Malu Malo-Fuiava, Najira Khanam, Rochana Sheward

Kahika participants

Kaipatiki Local Board

Khadija Leadership Network

LEAD Centre for Not-for-Profit Leadership: Sandy Thompson, Garth Nowland-Foreman

Life Potential NZ: Ciao Chen

Liz Ennor

Madhu Kalyan

Manurewa Local Board

Maungakiekie-Tāmaki Local Board

Migrant Action Trust

Migrant Careers Support Trust

Ministry for Ethnic Communities

Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

Ministry of Education

Ministry of Social Development

Mixit

New Kiwis

New Zealand Lottery Grants

Ngaru Garland

NZ Community Trust

NZ Muslim Association

NZ Red Cross

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board

PassTheMic Working Group: Aroha Te Namu, Clarence Lomiwes, Deborah Misiuepa, Ella Pooley, Jenny Rankine, Nidha Khan

#PassTheMic storytellers and allies

Pearl of the Islands Foundation

Planet FM

Point & Associates

Pub Charity

Puketāpapa Local Board

Puketāpapa Local Board: Ella Kumar

Red Book Agency: Fa'aulu Tomuli-Afoa

Refugee Women's Council of NZ

Refugees as Survivors NZ (RASNZ)

Repeka George-Koteka

Ruapotaka Marae

Shaping our Futures Together Guest Speakers: Morehu McDonald, Rahul Watson Govindan, Maria-Pare TeWhiu, Glenna Casalme, Julie Zhu

Shaping our Futures Together MC: Ben Thomason

Simon Gault Fundraising & Charity Events

Social Work Report Contributors: Aotearoa Resettled Community Coalition

Anglican Trust for Women and Children

Asian Family Services

Asylum Seekers Support Trust

Belong Aotearoa

CNSST Foundation

Family Action

Foundation North

JR McKenzie Trust

Ministry of Education

New Zealand Ethnic Women’s Trust

New Zealand Red Cross

Pregnancy Help

RASNZ

Roopa Aur Aap

Shanti Niwas

UMMA Trust

Social Work Report Launch Speakers: Anusha Guler, Golriz Ghahraman MP

Somali Education and Development Trust

Sport Waitakere

St John New Zealand

Synergy Community Trust

Tangata Tiriti -Treaty People: Kirsty Fong, Mari Dawn Te Kani, Marisa Maclachlan

Te Manawa

Te Ohu 2021 Community Organising Interns: Asif Agah (Belong Aotearoa), Fred Lam Kam (Salvation Army), Ines Mitgutsch (E tū)

Te Ohu Whakawhanaunga

Te Tahawai Marae

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa

The Cookie Project: Parveen Shankar

The Eden Park Trust

The Lion Foundation

The Research West

The Trusts Community Foundation (TTCF)

Threshold Management and Coaching: Carol Scholes

Tūmanako Summit Facilitator: Annie Ualesi

Tūmanako Summit MCs: Pax Assadi, Aziz Al-Sa'afin

Tūmanako Summit Speakers: Abann Yor, Mitchell Pham, Dr. Zhiyan Basharati, Golriz Ghahraman, Bernard Sama, Dr. Arama Rata, Melissa Lee, Jay Marlowe, Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Andrew Lockhart, Jennifer Lamm, Maree Jeurissen,

UMMA Trust

Vanushi Walters MP

Waitakere Chinese Association

Waitakere Ethnic Board

Waitakere Indian Association

Waitakere Library

Waitemata Local Board

Wesley Community Centre

Whau Local Board

Women Entrepreneurship Centre: Dr Sangeeta Karmokar

Work Connect

Working Together More Fund (WTMF)