Sector Update - 15 May 2025
Kia ora koutou,
In recent days, we’ve witnessed a significant shift in our nation’s approach to equity with the sudden changes to pay equity legislation. The new amendments have discontinued current claims from sectors where women, including significant numbers of migrant women and women of colour, make up the majority of the workforce. These are the same sectors that have carried us through crisis after crisis, often without recognition or fair pay.
This past Mother’s Day, I was thinking about my own mum. She has been living in a hospital, overseas, for people with Alzheimer’s for some time now. Her career was as a nurse, one of the many women whose care and strength held others up everyday. Now, she is held and cared for by others, many of them migrant nurses and careworkers. It’s their hands that feed her, comfort her, and make sure she’s safe. And it’s these hands, here in Aotearoa, too, that hold so much of our society together. That’s what makes this moment so difficult.
At Belong, we know that inclusion isn’t just about welcoming people to Aotearoa; it’s about valuing their contribution and protecting their rights. The chronic undervaluing of this work, largely done by women, is grounded in the same systems of inequality we challenge every day. If we’re serious about building a cohesive, just society, economic fairness must be at the centre of that work.
And as we confront these wider issues, we have also been taking time to reflect on our own journey. Last week, our team gathered for a staff away-day, supported by the Centre for Social Impact. We looked at Belong’s impact over the past three years and started refining our strategic path forward. It was an energising time, one that reminded us how much is possible when we come together and collaborate. We’re still in the thick of the process, but what’s already clear is that there is a deep sense of hope and momentum growing for what’s ahead.
Thank you to everyone who walks this journey with us. Let’s keep moving forward together.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
Media
Mt Roskill fire guts refugees’ home as family ‘lose everything’ in massive fire, neighbour busts window to check for children (NZ Herald, 4 May)
An Ethiopian refugee family lost all their belongings in a massive fire (cause of fire is unknown).
Meet the solo Chinese mums in New Zealand who are not single parents (NZ Herald, 9 May)
Many Chinese nationals leave behind careers and personal stability to move to New Zealand through New Zealand’s Guardian of a Student Visitor Visa, effectively solo parenting.
Dangerous refugees would be stripped of residence under new law (RNZ, 12 May)
Under government legislation introduced last month, refugees' residence visas will be cancelled if they pose a risk to national security.
Events
Network meeting (Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga)
Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga invites all Community organisations in South & East Auckland for a networking session to share ideas, better collaborate and raise awareness of the work you do in the community
Tuesday 3 June, 1.30pm - 2.30pm, Te Tuhi , 21 William Roberts Road, Pakuranga, Auckland.
RSVP to Vani Kapoor, Community Services Coordinator at settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz
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.
Find more details on attending and exhibiting here.
He Hononga Hauora – Connecting for Wellbeing & Belonging (RASNZ, Belong Aotearoa, Auckland Wellbeing Collective Tū Whakaruruhau)
A community hui focused on mental health and belonging for ethnic, migrant, and former refugee communities in Auckland, including a keynote presentation and group discussion on mental wellbeing and belonging.
Lunch and refreshments provided.
Friday, 13 June 2025, 9:00am – 2:00pm, Auckland venue TBC.
Day of the week, Date Month, Time, Address
ICYMI
Hapori - Systems Change Community Aotearoa (Hapori)
Join Hapori – Systems Change Community Aotearoa, a new online space designed for changemakers and change champions across Aotearoa to connect, learn and collaborate.