Sector Update - 29 May 2025

 Kia ora koutou,

The Government’s Budget 2025, released last week, presents a mixed picture for our communities. While some areas remain steady, the overall landscape reveals concerning gaps.  As pressures around access to affordable housing, decent employment, and healthcare continue to grow, community services are increasingly stepping in to fill the gaps. And yet, many of us in the sector are doing this vital work under growing strain. While the Budget includes some gains, they appear to have come at the cost of progress on pay equity, particularly impacting women in critical services, many of whom come from migrant and refugee backgrounds.

 

These budget decisions will have real consequences for the people we support.  When social safety nets are stretched thin, it’s marginalised communities, including many from migrant and refugee-background communities, who feel the impact most acutely.  The challenge isn’t just about funding levels, it’s also about recognising that embracing diversity and genuine inclusion in Aotearoa require sustained, comprehensive support across all these interconnected areas.

 

This reality was brought into sharp focus during the Scaling Deep Wānanga I attended in Tāmaki Makaurau last week. The gathering brought together systems thinkers and community leaders exploring how we create more just and equitable approaches to change. Rather than pursuing quick fixes or standardised solutions, we examined what "scaling deep" means – prioritising relationships, culture, and long-term transformation over speed and competition.

 

One of the most powerful threads came from Māori-led organisations who reminded us that equity doesn’t require inventing new systems, it calls for a return to systems long embedded in te Ao Māori: relationship, reciprocity, and collective wellbeing. As we navigate the constraints of this budget cycle, these principles offer a pathway forward – one that recognises the knowledge and leadership already present in our communities and works in genuine solidarity to create the transformational change our people deserve. I'm buoyed by the sense of solidarity among us all in this important work.

Ngā mihi,

Angela Wilton

Chief Executive Officer,

Belong Aotearoa

In this issue:

#PassTheMic podcast coming soon

We’re looking forward to launching season two of our #PassTheMic podcast series, spotlighting the lives of people from migrant and former refugee backgrounds living in Tāmaki Makaurau one conversation at a time.

Season two will go live at the beginning of July. In the meantime, catch up on Season one.

 

Media

What ethnic communities get from Budget 2025 (RNZ, 23 May)

  • This article summarises funding from Budget 2025 relevant to New Zealand’s ethnic communities.

Asylum claims surge in New Zealand, but fewer approved (Stuff, 14 May)

  • New Zealand is seeing a big rise in the number of people asking for asylum - but fewer of them are being approved to stay.

Missing pieces: Leaving India in search of a new life (RNZ, 5 May)

  • RNZ has released a four-part series on Indian migration to New Zealand.

 

Events

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.

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

  • Register for the hui.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi Training Workshop (Ethnic Rainbow Alliance)

  • This one-day wānanga was created by community, for community. Led by Kirsty and Tawhana, this is a space for whakawhanaungatanga, learning, and honest kōrero about Te Tiriti—what it means, how it’s been honoured or breached, and where we go from here. Free entry, bookings essential.

  • Saturday 21 June 2025, 9am - 4:30pm, Grey Lynn Community Centre, Auckland

  • Register for the workshop.

 

ICYMI

Kahika Programme – volunteers needed (Belong Aotearoa)

  • The Kahika Employment Readiness Programme’s 12 participants are learning how to craft a Kiwi-style CV and cover letter, prepare for job interviews, and navigate the local employment landscape and workplace culture. For this, we are looking for experienced and empathetic recruiters to volunteer for mock interviews on Monday, 9 June 2025.

  • After mid-June, we are also looking for volunteers to mentor our participants. This would involve up to three 1-hour mentoring sessions (in person or online) with

  • Contact David at davidm@belong.org.nz for more details.

Survey on language maintenance and shift in the NZ Chinese community - a focus on Cantonese (Auckland University)

  • Do you or your whānau have strong connections to Cantonese in Aotearoa New Zealand? This research explores the experiences of Cantonese-speaking families in NZ—how the language is used, maintained, and valued as part of identity. Your input will make a big difference in shaping how we support language and cultural heritage going forward.

  • Participants do not need to be fluent Cantonese speakers; they can speak or understand any dialect or just be able to understand a few words. The researchers are interested in knowing what the status of Cantonese is for those who have the language somewhere in their heritage.

  • Fill out the short survey: Survey in English language or Survey in Traditional Chinese

China Gonzalez