At Belong Aotearoa, we describe ourselves as a systems change organisation. I recognise that it is a phrase that can feel hollow and slogan-like, especially in a world that rewards quantifiable metrics. 

Recent racist comments by Minister Shane Jones are not an isolated incident but reflect a broader pattern of rhetoric drawn from familiar populist tactics: provoking division, targeting communities, and simplifying complex realities to mobilise votes and consolidate power.

Lately, there has been a lot to absorb: the devastation unfolding in the Middle East, conflict raging elsewhere often out of sight of mainstream media, economic uncertainty, the threat of fuel and food crises, and the broader instability driven by a handful of powerful leaders whose actions inflict immense harm with seeming impunity. It hasn’t been easy to stay positive.

As a Pākehā woman brought up in a worldview that frames things in either/or terms, I recognise how dominant systems of power rely on binary thinking to separate, manage, and dominate people and ideas. In reality, the world is more complex than these rigid divisions.

It has been both interesting and concerning to see how the conflict in the Middle East is covered in Aotearoa’s media. Much of the focus has been on domestic impacts: gas prices, rising inflation, and how our government is navigating a fraying global order. These are real issues, but far less attention has been paid to the deeply personal impact on New Zealanders with heritage or family in the region.

Belong Aotearoa is seeking a highly organised, community-minded person with strong administration skills to support our engagement work and Refugee Alliance coordination while covering a staff member on leave. The role focuses on event and workshop logistics, handling correspondence, and ensuring our commitments to communities are delivered with care.