Sector Update - 26 June 2025
Kia ora koutou,
On Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending the Red Cross’ World Refugee Day event at Parliament, a moving gathering to honour the strength and contributions of refugees, and to stand in solidarity with forcibly displaced communities. The event was expertly MC’d by Aklilu Habteghiorghis from the Red Cross, and featured powerful reflections from UNHCR representatives, Hon Minister Casey Costello, and a panel of those who shared their lived expertise. The dynamism and encouraging messaging from the panel brought depth, honesty, and hope to the conversation, a strong reminder of the courage, resilience, and rich contributions of refugee-background communities, who form such an important part of Aotearoa’s social fabric.
We also submitted our response to the Regulatory Standards Bill before the deadline this week, and hope many of you have too. In a quick pause between meetings yesterday at Parliament, I managed to slip into the Public Gallery of the debating chamber during Question Time, where the Bill was raised. Ongoing conflict in the Middle East and Aotearoa’s response were also a focus of discussion, underscoring the ways global crises are felt deeply by so many of our whānau here, especially those with deep ties to affected regions. Our thoughts are with those carrying the weight of what is unfolding.
Looking ahead, I’m really looking forward to the Ethnic Advantage conference hosted by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities this Saturday. From recent conversations, it sounds like I’ll be in good company with many of you also attending. In these heavy global times, let’s continue to prioritise connection, understanding, and solidarity. Sending aroha to you all.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
Media
Celebrating World Refugee Day (The Post, 25 June)
The Masterton community celebrated World Refugee Day in an event developed through a leadership programme supported by Immigration New Zealand and Masterton District Council, designed to help former refugees build confidence and community ties.
Global refugee crisis should prompt NZ quota increase, says charity (NZ Herald, 19 June)
As the number of refugees has doubled in the last decade, World Vision CEO Grant Bayldon spoke about how New Zealand could do more.
Max grew up thinking he belonged in NZ... now he does (Stuff, 24 June)
A young man who grew up in New Zealand believing he was a Kiwi, only to learn he’d been here unlawfully since the age of four, will now be allowed to stay here.
Events
Kahika Youth Employability Programme (Belong Aotearoa and RAS Youth)
RAS Youth and Belong Aotearoa are running a programme for migrant and refugee-background youth aged 16-22 years who want to learn new skills and get ready to find a job. Lunch is provided.
The introduction session is on Tuesday 8 July (school holiday), and after that every Saturday for 8 weeks, 9:30am - 3.30pm. Location: RAS Youth, Level 2, 173 Captain Springs Road, Onehunga.
Free Job Search Workshops (Migrant Action Trust)
MAT is running three workshops in July/August designed to help jobseekers navigate job hunting.
All workshops will be held at Wesley Community Centre –Tarapunga Room, 740 Sandringham Rd Extn, Mt Roskill, from 10:30pm – 1:00pm.
CV & Cover Letter Writing: Wednesday, 23 July 2025
Job Interview Prep: Wednesday, 30 July 2025
Personal Branding & Networking: Wednesday, 6 August 2025
ICYMI
Green List expanding to meet skilled trades shortages (Immigration New Zealand)
On 18 August 2025, 10 skilled trades occupations will be added to the Green List Work to Residence pathway, allowing them to apply for residence after working in New Zealand for two years.
For more details, see the Immigration New Zealand website.
Petition to make the Community Sponsorship of Refugees programme permanent (Amnesty International)
The Community Sponsorship of Refugees programme is coming to an end. This pilot programme, managed by HOST International Aotearoa, has enabled community organisations to directly engage in refugee resettlement by committing to providing financial, emotional and practical support to help newly arrived refugees settle into life in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Updates to Census (Stats NZ)
Aotearoa New Zealand is changing its census approach by transitioning away from the traditional, five-yearly, nationwide census, starting in 2030. Instead, key census data will be produced annually using a combination of administrative data and smaller, flexible, annual surveys. This shift is driven by rising costs, declining response rates, and disruptions caused by events like Cyclone Gabrielle.
For more details, see the Stats NZ website.