As we enter the period of Matariki, an important time in Aotearoa’s calendar to reflect on the past while looking towards the future, there is much happening in our wider world to reflect on. It feels like a fitting moment to gather in Tāmaki Makaurau for our Belonging and Social Cohesion Kōrero on Tuesday 11 August 2026. Beginning with economist Shamubeel Eaqub, the day will be an opportunity to listen, reflect, and discuss, exploring perceptions of belonging and social cohesion through the lived experiences and perspectives of migrant- and refugee-background communities.

Every Sunday, I have a Zoom call to connect with my family in Canada. This past weekend, the conversation focused on the FIFA Men's World Cup being hosted across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our FIFA chat prompted discussions about belonging and allegiance, including a question which might be familiar for many migrant and refugee-background communities: who do you cheer for?

NZ budget week is still on the minds of many of us and the numbers provide an opportunity to reflect on our collective priorities. Thanks to analysis from Ethnic Research Aotearoa, we know there has been more funding allocated towards provision in schools for speakers of other languages, and efforts to address migrant exploitation.

Earlier this month we marked Mother's Day, which for me was bittersweet: my teenage children marked the day with a few small gestures, while it still unfolded around the usual invisible labour that keeps life moving.  And, as my first Mother’s Day since my mother died last year, the recognition that for many of us these days hold love, loss, gratitude, and complexity that rarely fit neatly into a single day.