Sector Update - 18 July 2025
Kia ora koutou,
Two weeks ago, I had to unexpectedly travel back to Canada because of a family bereavement. Sitting on the plane, stressed that I might be too late, was an awful experience, but I’m grateful I made it in time to spend two precious days with my loved one before they passed. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Belong Aotearoa team for holding things down so capably in my absence; the care and empathy of fabulous colleagues makes all the difference.
In that experience of grief, I was reminded that many of us with family overseas carry the weight of distance: not everyone has the resources, time, or even the passport power to return ‘home’ when crisis hits. It highlighted again how proximity is a quiet privilege, one many in Aotearoa may take for granted, and how, for migrant and former refugee communities, the emotional and logistical realities of living across borders are complex and sometimes painful.
Last week, we celebrated the successful launch of our latest PassTheMic podcast series, which shines a light on the experiences of migrants navigating employment in Aotearoa, sharing stories of struggle, adaptation, and moments of hope. For anyone who has wrestled with fitting into new work environments, translating overseas qualifications, or simply finding that first opportunity, these stories will resonate deeply. PassTheMic is powerful because it amplifies the voices of those whose stories may otherwise go unheard and offers us all a chance to listen, learn, and reflect.
I sadly missed the recent Ministry for Ethnic Communities’ Ethnic Advantage conference but have heard it was full of interesting insights from across the sector. These events are so important as we work collectively towards equity. At Belong Aotearoa, we’re constantly reminded that true inclusion goes beyond simply being allowed to participate; it requires reshaping the systems and structures themselves, so they reflect and support the diversity of our communities. We look forward to continuing to engage with our sector peers, share our mahi, and push for systems change that supports our communities to thrive.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
Media
Belong Aotearoa Recognised for Supporting New Migrants and Refugees (Auckland Council)
In a recent Auckland Council article on five ways to make new friends in Auckland, Belong Aotearoa is mentioned for our work supporting new migrants and former refugees. Read the article here to learn more about the communities and initiatives helping to make the transition to life in Auckland a little smoother.
Migrant kebab shop worker allegedly beaten over wage dispute; man charged with serious assault (NZ Herald)
A migrant worker at a kebab shop was allegedly subjected to a prolonged assault over a wage dispute, before managing to escape and hide in nearby bushes.
Events
117KM Solidarity Run at Mission Bay (Khadija Leadership Network)
On Friday, 19 July, a 117KM Solidarity Run will be held at Mission Bay to raise awareness and funds for migrant survivors of family violence.
In 2021, only 117 people across New Zealand applied for the Victims of Family Violence (VFV) visa — a pathway designed to protect migrant survivors reliant on abusive partners. This number highlights not success, but the immense barriers to accessing safety in Aotearoa.
This run honours those 117 who found the courage to apply. It also directly supports one woman whose VFV visa application was denied, despite facing threats from her ex-partner, who served jail time. Funds raised will help cover her legal costs for a final reapplication.
How to take part: Pledge to run 1–10KM at Mission Bay on 19 July (9AM).
Registration is $25, which goes directly to the fundraiser. Additional donations are welcome.
Those unable to join are encouraged to donate or help spread the word through their networks, communities, and workplaces.
We Thrive Together Programe (Hend Zaki Consulting)
Hend Zaki Consulting is running a 12-week programme for women of colour, including students, recent migrants, and former refugees, who want to build their confidence, develop skills, and grow their professional networks.
Build your confidence, identify your strengths, and learn how to show up authentically in professional spaces. Over 12 weeks, you’ll develop leadership, communication, and self-advocacy skills, gain an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and your rights as an employee, and connect with others to build lasting networks. The programme is delivered in person or can be tailored for your organisation. Special discounts are available for students and ELN members.
Register now or Email rahma@hzconstulting.co.nz
Learn English for Work (English Language Partners Auckland Central & West
Learn practical English for work in a small, friendly group with experienced, qualified teachers. Classes are offered in a classroom, online, or at your workplace — free for New Zealand residents and citizens.
Dates: 17 July – 27 November (no classes on 25 September and 2 October)
Day & Time: Thursdays, 9:15am – 11:45am
Location: Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road Extension, Mt Roskill
Food Control Plan Training (Belong Aotearoa)
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to start your own catering business or work in hospitality. This course covers food control plan theory along with comprehensive, practical training.
Dates: 17 July – 11 September (8 weeks)
When: Every Thursday, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Where: Roskill Youth Zone, 740 Sandringham Road Extension, Mt Roskill
Wesley Community Centre Sewing Classes (New Zealand Ethnic Women’s Trust)
Join beginner-friendly sewing classes to learn the craft and create beautiful sewing projects. You’ll get an introduction to basic sewing, machine operation, and hands-on project work. These sessions are free.
Dates & Times: Mondays & Tuesdays or Wednesdays & Thursdays 10:00am – 1:00pm, 21 July – 19 September
Location: Wesley Community Centre
For more information or to register, contact Hodan on 020 4170 7672.
Research Invitation: Call for Participants
We are inviting people who self-identify as Indigenous to take part in our project, “Cultivating Wellbeing by Advancing Indigenous Perspectives of Autism. This research is led by Dr Sandra Yellowhorse (Diné/Navajo - Native American), Dr Rachel Mukwezwa Tapera (Nungu Maposa - Zimbabwean), Dr Rochelle Nafatali (Samoan), and Melina Amos (Kāi Tahu, Tanzanian, and Pākehā).
We welcome parents, families, and Autistic people aged 16 years and over to share their experiences and perspectives on Autism from an Indigenous worldview.
As a thank you for your participation, you will receive a voucher.
If you are interested or would like more information, please contact s.yellowhorse@auckland.ac.nz.
Free Webinar: New Care Guide for Health Care Assistants (Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission)
Te Tāhū Hauora Health Quality & Safety Commission is hosting a free webinar on the new national resource, ‘Care Guide for Health Care Assistants in Aged Residential Care.’ This guide supports health care assistants with practical prompts for caring for frail older people, replaces the 2010 Waitematā DHB guide, and covers 20 topics, including tikanga Māori for kaumātua. It is also aligned with the RN Frailty Care Guides.
When: Thursday 24 July, 1–2pm
ICYMI
Updates to the Parent Resident Visa from 1 July 2025 (Immigration New Zealand)
From 1 July 2025, Immigration New Zealand is making small changes to the Parent Resident Visa to improve clarity and help families plan. The 2,000-visa queue allocation is being removed as the queue is nearly cleared, which means better chances for those in the ballot pool.
The temporary cap increase for 2024/25 is also being removed, though applications already approved in principle will still count under the previous cap. The cap will reset for the 2025/26 year on 1 July 2025. These updates give families more certainty about visa places and simplify the process.
The next Parent Category ballot draw is on 12 August 2025—submit your Expression of Interest by 31 July to be included.
For more details, see the Immigration New Zealand website.