Sector Update - 31 July 2025
Kia ora koutou,
Despite growing up in Canada, I’ve never quite acclimatised to the chill of Aotearoa winters and the lack of decent home heating. I know many migrants and former refugees also find this season particularly difficult, especially those who live in cold, damp housing, have pricey electricity bills or ongoing housing instability. A recent report from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development confirms what we see every day: more people are struggling and homelessness is on the rise.
It’s a powerful reminder of the urgent need for robust social support systems and a long-term commitment to an Aotearoa where everyone has access to safe, affordable, and warm housing.
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting Labour MPs Jan Tinetti, Phil Twyford, and Glen Bennett (photo above) at our Safari programme in West Auckland. It’s always a joy to welcome MPs into our spaces, to share the mahi we do and, more importantly, to connect them with the incredible people who are part of our programmes. These visits offer a powerful opportunity for decision-makers to see firsthand the strengths, aspirations, and challenges within migrant and former refugee communities, and we’re grateful for the time they took to engage. We warmly welcome MPs across the political spectrum to visit our programmes and learn directly from the communities we support.
We’re currently recruiting new Board members as we prepare for some of our valued trustees to complete their terms. This is a meaningful opportunity to contribute to governance in a values-driven organisation committed to breaking down barriers to belonging for migrant and former refugee communities. We’re looking for individuals with extensive governance experience, deep alignment with our kaupapa, and a heart for collective impact. And of course, you’ll get to work alongside a passionate Board, an amazing team, and me. 😊 More info can be found here.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
Media
Experienced Gynaecologist Stuck in Cleaning Job While Hundreds of Women Wait for Care in Hawke’s Bay (NZ Herald)
Since 2018, a highly skilled gynaecologist and obstetrician has been living in Napier. Despite over a decade of medical experience, she’s been working in cleaning jobs unable to practise her profession while nearly 900 women in the region are still waiting for their first appointment with a specialist.
New Zealand’s registration process for overseas-trained doctors is expensive and time-consuming. How can Immigration NZ better support skilled workers already here, especially when their expertise could change lives?
Read the full story here.
What Happens When You’re Denied Entry to New Zealand? (NZ Herald)
Over 2,100 travellers have been refused entry to NZ in the past three years mainly due to visa issues, criminal history, or doubts about travel intentions.
At major airports, they’re held briefly with access to basic facilities before being sent home. Airlines or Immigration NZ cover return costs depending on visa status, with Immigration NZ spending nearly $100k last year.Read more here.
Events
Do you work in the social impact space? Come to Meet2Connect! (Belong Aotearoa)
Meet2Connect is a monthly shared lunch where people working in community, social change, and impact spaces can connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas — all over kai.
When: every third Wednesday of the month, from 12.30pm to 2. 00pm. All you need to do is bring a plate.
If you're passionate about social impact and community-led change, we’d love to see you there. Email Nadir at nadir@belong.org.nz to join the next shared lunch.
Personal Branding and Networking Workshop for all jobseekers (Migrant Action Trust and Wesley Community Centre)
Get tips on how to build a personal brand that resonates with local employers and learn practical networking strategies to connect with professionals and opportunities in Aotearoa.
When: Wednesday 6 August 2025
Where: Wesley Community Centre, Tarapunga Room, 740 Sandringham road
Register here.
Research Participants Wanted: Share Your Te Tiriti Workshop Experience
Are you from a refugee background and have attended a Te Tiriti o Waitangi workshop? Researchers from the University of Auckland want to hear from you! Take part in a 1:1 or group interview (with refreshments!) and receive a $50 voucher as a thank you.
Your insights will help improve Treaty education for diverse communities.
To join, email Dr. Alejandra González Campanella: alejandra.gonzalez@auckland.ac.nz
Moonlight Bike Ride - all ages (Bike Hub Mount Roskill)
Bring your bike and join us for the full moon. There will be music, performances, fun bike games, face painting, food stalls, prizes and giveaways.
When: Saturday 9 August, 5.00 pm - 8.00 pm
Where: Bike Hub Mount Roskill - Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road
Free Workshop for Newcomers: The New Zealand Healthcare System: The Structure and How it Works (Migrant Action Trust)
New to New Zealand? Join this free workshop and learn how to navigate the health care system with ease.
When: Friday 22 August, 10.00 am - 12.00 pm
Where: Mt Albert Library, 84 St Lukes Road Auckland 2025
For more information, contact gene@migrantactiontrust.org
Upcoming changes to student visa work rights (Immigration New Zealand)
Starting 3 November 2025, the in‑study work hours cap for eligible international students increases from 20 to 25 hours per week during term time, for both tertiary and Years 12–13 secondary school students.
Applies automatically to all student visas granted on or after that date even if the application was submitted earlier.
Existing students on 20‑hour visas may access the extra 5 hours via a variation of conditions or a new visa (with associated fees).
Expanded work rights to include all tertiary students in approved exchange or Study Abroad programmes, even for one‑semester courses—closing prior eligibility gaps.
From November 2025, students who switch education providers or move to a lower‑level course (e.g. from degree to diploma) must apply for a new student visa, no longer able to just vary conditions.
Secondary school students (Years 12–13): work rights up to 25 hours still require written permission from both school and a parent/guardian, unchanged from current policy.
Current student visa holders (under 20‑hour conditions) are not automatically upgraded —they must apply to access the new limit, or wait until their next visa renewal. Full‑time holiday work conditions remain as before.
Existing scale: about 40,987 visa holders currently have in‑study work rights; 29,790 expire by 31 March 2026, while 11,197 extend beyond that date. Many may delay updating their conditions due to timing or cost.
These reforms form part of the International Education Going for Growth strategy, aimed at doubling the value of New Zealand’s international education sector (from NZ$3.6 billion in 2024 to NZ$7.2 billion by 2034), and building student numbers to 119,000 by 2034.
For more details, see the Immigration New Zealand website.