Community Connections and Safari

We deepen our engagement with and connection to community to understand and grow visibility of lived realities of exclusion.

We also build confidence and capacity to engage in community and with support services, for those with least access including women and children

Meet2Connect

Meet2Connect is a regular event held on the third Wednesday of every month,  offering opportunities for community connection, networking, and information-sharing through shared lunch gatherings for everyone in our sector. 

If you are interested in attending Meet2Connect, email our Community Engagement Lead, Nadir, at nadir@belong.org.nz.

Click here to learn more about Meet2Connect.

Safari Wraparound Programme

This is an 8-month pilot programme supporting migrant and former refugee women in West Auckland to overcome systemic settlement barriers such as language, transport, isolation, and employment. Each participant is paired with a mentor who provides personalised holistic support, often sharing the same language and lived experience. The programme combines one-on-one mentoring, group workshops, English classes, driving lessons, and referrals to specialist agencies

Safari Multicultural Playgroups

Safari is a safe multicultural place for children to learn through play whilst mothers learn new skills.

Safari Multicultural Playgroups exist to support migrant and refugee background women in Auckland with children aged 0-5.

We provide a van transport service for mums and children to get from home to playgroup. A small koha of $2 is asked for this service, and this is the only cost. Attendance at the playgroup itself is completely free.

For mums, Safari offers lots of support, including:

  • Free English classes 1–2 times per week (all levels welcome).

  • Free educational sessions such as parenting courses, health awareness workshops, and librarian visits.

  • Trips to playgrounds, the zoo, museums, and more.

  • Celebrations of festivals like Eid, Diwali, and Christmas.

  • Graduation parties for children moving on.

  • A chance to connect and make friends with other mums

We run six playgroups across Auckland, where mums stay with their children for the morning and connect with others. Our dedicated staff and volunteers support play and learning through activities like water play, painting, craft, puzzles, climbing, sandpit fun, play dough, and more.

  • Where: Lynfield Youth and Leisure Centre

    16-18 Griffen Park Rd, Lynfield

    When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays

    Time: 9am to 12.30pm

    *Please note the name of the venue has slightly changed, as well as the operating days. 

  • Where: Henderson Baptist Church, 319 Great North Rd, Henderson, Auckland
    When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays
    Time: 9.00am – 12.30pm

  • Where: Otahuhu Town Hall Community Centre, 10 High Street, Otahuhu
    When: Wednesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
    Time: 9.00am – 12.30pm

  • Where: Panmure Community Centre, 7-13 Pilkington Road, Panmure
    When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays
    Time: 9.00am – 12.30pm

  • Where: Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa
    When: Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays
    Time: 9.00am – 12.30pm

  • Where: Encounter Church, 495 Rosebank Road, Avondale, Auckland (down driveway)
    When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Fridays
    Time: 9.00am – 12.30pm

Costs: Free
For any queries contact: safari@belong.org.nz or 09 625 2440