Sector Update - 1 May 2025

Kia ora koutou,

The past fortnight has been quite the blur – shaped by Easter and ANZAC Day breaks alongside focused planning for the new financial year. As our nation paused to reflect on ANZAC Day, I was reminded how deeply conflict remains woven into the lives of many around the world. War is not a chapter confined to history books; it continues to shape the present, touching communities near and far, including our migrant families here in Aotearoa. These moments of national reflection offer us all an opportunity to consider how we might better support those whose lives have been directly impacted by conflict.

Alongside these reflections, we've witnessed millions mourning the Pope's passing. Our thoughts are with our Catholic whānau across the motu during this time of collective grief, especially with our migrant Catholic communities for whom the Pope holds profound spiritual and cultural significance. These shared experiences of faith and community remind us of the diverse values that enrich our social fabric.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining the Refugee Alliance, connecting around key elements of their collective mahi and beginning conversations about World Refugee Day in June. These collaborative spaces where sector voices converge are vital to ensuring our systems and policies truly reflect the needs of those they aim to serve. Through such partnerships, we can better honor resilience, hope, and community in the face of adversity.

Speaking of impactful mahi, I was heartened to see Belong's Safari Playgroups featured in a recent Stuff article highlighting how these groups help migrant mothers overcome isolation and depression. For 15 years, Safari has been supporting refugee and migrant mothers and children across six Auckland locations. As Safari mum Sumaia Islam shared: "Safari is like my second family. It has been so refreshing for me. I've learned things about New Zealand and I have lots of friends who I can talk to." Stories like Sumaia's highlight the power of community-led solutions and the importance of creating spaces where people feel they truly belong.

As autumn deepens and winter approaches, we're focusing on our priorities for the coming months – strengthening our plans, ensuring our communities are supported, and building on the foundations we've established together. Our team is grateful to be moving forward in our work toward system-level changes with the strength of positive stories like those we hear from Safari every day, and the collective energy of our dedicated partners.

 Angela Wilton
CEO

Belong Aotearoa 

MEDIA
Cross-party hope for anti-trafficking legislation (RNZ, 25 April)

  • National MP Greg Fleming is planning to introduce an anti-trafficking bill into Parliament. 

Saving Sione: Children being adopted overseas, trafficked to work in New Zealand (RNZ, 22 April)

  • A 12-year-old boy was adopted and moved to New Zealand to work despite his adopted 'father' having previous abuse convictions. Immigration New Zealand does not require police checks on people adopting children from overseas.

‘These women are invisible’: How a playgroup is helping migrant mums beat isolation, depression (Stuff, 20 April)

  • Over the last 15 years, Belong Aotearoa's Safari Playgroups have provided a multicultural learning environment for children and wraparound support for families, reducing isolation among migrant mothers with young children.

His family are Kiwis. Max thought he was too. Now he faces deportation (Stuff, 19 April)

  • Max Holland left South Africa when he was five months old - now 20, he faces deportation back there despite living in New Zealand ever since.

'Golden visa' applications: Seven investors with $35m to spend approved so far (RNZ, 15 April)

  • The government's new "golden visa" for investors has received 44 applications since it came into effect on 1 April - with about half of the applications coming from existing applicants transitioning to the new category.

 

EVENTS

Poi Quarterly Networking event (West Auckland Hospice)

  • This Poi Community of Care meeting will include guest Speakers from MND, A Supported Life, Fire and Emergency, and Waikumete Cemetery.

  • Tuesday 13 May, 2pm - 4pm, 126 Awaroa Road, Sunnyvale, Auckland. 

  • RSVP to poiadmin@hwa.org.nz.

LISTEN WORKSHOP on Community Wellbeing and the Prevention of Harm (Ethnic Rainbow Alliance)

  • The Ethnic Rainbow Alliance invites you to be part of a meaningful conversation on how we can support the prevention of harm and build stronger, healthier communities. This half-day workshop will provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and a space to connect with others who care about community wellbeing.

  • 14 May 2025, 21 May 2025. 9:30am - 1:30pm. 

  • Register here.

Botany Library Welcome Day (Botany Library and Allyship Projects)

  • Come along to this open day to discover the services, organisations, and activities available in Botany with information booths, community activities every hour, and networking.

  • Sunday, 25 May, 12:30pm - 4pm, Level 1, Sunset Terrace, East Tāmaki, Auckland. 

  • More details here.

Filipino Migrant Expo (Migrant News)

  • This high-energy settlement support event is back by popular demand. The show will feature stands on settlement Support, health advice, a job fair, NGOs, immigration advisers, education providers and others.

  • Saturday, 7 June, 10am - 5pm, Auckland Showgrounds.

  • More details on attending and exhibiting here.

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Kahika Employment Readiness Programme (Belong Aotearoa)

  • The Kahika Programme is a free employment readiness training designed to help migrants and former-refugees get ready to look for job opportunities and navigate the New Zealand job market as a newcomer. Participants will learn how to write a Kiwi-style CV and cover letter, prepare for job interviews, understand NZ employment and culture, and more At the end of the training, a dedicated mentor will support participants in their employment journey.

  • To apply or share with your networks, see the link here.

  • Email info@belong.org.nz more information.

NZ International Comedy Festival 

  • Taking place in Auckland and Wellington the NZ INTL Comedy Festival is an annual event showcasing the best of local and international comedy.

  • Friday 2 – Sunday 25 May, Auckland and Wellington.

  • Shows showcasing the migrant experience include:

See the full NZ International Comedy Festival line up here.

China Gonzalez