Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 7 May 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
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. And while we still work hard to demonstrate impact in ways that others can see, we know that systemic change is slow and uncomfortable work. It means challenging the status quo (and those who benefit from it) and shifting the underlying conditions that produce inequity in the first place. We also know that racism and discrimination is a primary cause of much of what we are challenging.
Right now, racism continues to be actively weaponised. Populist narratives continue to stoke fear, positioning migrants and people of colour as the source of economic and social strain. Over the past few weeks, we have seen the full playbook in action: rhetoric that divides along racial lines to capture votes by demonising immigration, asylum, and entire communities. It is horrible and yet, we know it is not new. Racism has deep roots in global and local colonial histories, amplified through media and political discourse, dismissed casually as ‘just a bit of humour’, while the harm caused to a significant number of our population is invisibilised.
We know that we need to continue to speak up, push back, and work alongside others to prevent further normalisation, while recognising it has been normalised for centuries.
Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion conference
This week, I had the privilege of joining and speaking at the Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion conference, where I discussed the pervasiveness of settler-colonial tendencies that continue to shape our institutions and interactions, tendencies that must be identified and dismantled if we are serious about equity. Central to this mahi is upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi as a living framework for designing shared futures grounded in relationships, responsibility, and justice.
So, let’s get moving, joining the growing depth of conversation about belonging and social cohesion across Aotearoa. The task ahead is not simply to name the problem, but to collectively unlearn and undo it. Systems change, in this sense, is not abstract; it is about reshaping the everyday conditions of our society so that everyone can belong, not just in principle, but in practice. People with power must call out racism, push back when we they see it , and actively challenge the status quo. Regardless of our political stripes, in an election year, this mahi is more important than ever.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In this issue:
In Case You Missed It
Hot Desk in Tāmaki Makaurau (Belong Aotearoa)
Craving a change of scene and some human connection with people who are making a difference in Aotearoa? Belong Aotearoa’s Mount Albert hotdesks are just what you need!
For only $26/day + GST, enjoy a comfortable workspace with access to meeting rooms, a boardroom, commercial printer/scanner, and kitchen facilities.
Interested? Click here.
Nationwide Online Survey of Tiriti-Based Organisational Journeys (Honourable Kāwanatanga)
This project aims to survey people who work or participate in organisations such as community groups, sports clubs, churches, social justice or environmental issues with the goal of understanding organisational Te Tiriti journeys.
The closing date for this survey is Sunday 31 May.
You can find the questionnaire here.
Study Exploring the Acculturation and School Adjustment Experiences of African Students in New Zealand High Schools (Auckland University)
A University of Auckland research study is inviting African high school students to participate in a study exploring school adjustment and acculturation experiences. Participation includes an anonymous online survey and an optional interview.
Students can enter a prize draw for vouchers.
Parents and students can find more information by contacting the researcher Chidiogo at cmue440@aucklanduni.ac.nz.
Events
Culture, Identity & Te Tiriti o Waitangi: Building Belonging and Participation (Migrant Action Trust)
As migrant parents, we want to pass on our culture while helping our children feel a strong sense of belonging in Aotearoa New Zealand. This family-friendly workshop explores how Te Tiriti o Waitangi, along with Māori history and culture, shapes belonging and participation in school and community life.
When: Wednesday 13 May, from 9am to 2pm.
Where: Mt Albert Community and Leisure Centre.
Register for this free workshop here.
Using AI effectively for Not-For-Profit (ANCAD LiiFT Aotearoa)
This session will explore the key risks and ethical considerations, discover proven tools that can streamline administration, strengthen communications and support fundraising, and learn how to use AI to create high-quality content, plan marketing activity and manage everyday workflow tasks.
When: Wednesday 13 May, from 12.45pm to 2.45pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre.
Register for this free workshop here.
Whau Community Wellness Day with an African Twist (New Zealand African Community Health Services Inc.)
Attendees can look forward to health education sessions and basic health checks, Afrobeat music and live performances and delicious African cuisine.
When: Saturday 16 May, from 12.30pm to 4pm.
Where: New Lynn Community Centre.
Free Job Search Workshops for Jobseekers (Migrant Action Trust)
Are you a jobseeker looking to understand how things work in Aotearoa’s job market? Join a series of interactive and practical workshops designed to help you navigate job hunting the Kiwi way, from CV writing to personal branding.
Learn more here.
Ethnic Women Rising in Aotearoa (Allyship Projects Trust)
A leadership and empowerment programme designed for women from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Aotearoa, supporting confidence, professional development, and community connection.
When: April – December, Tuesday from 10am to 12pm and Thursday from 2pm to 4pm.
Where: Allyship Community HUB, 179A Archers Road.
Register: join@allyship.nz.
Media
New test covering 'responsibilities and privileges' of NZ citizenship announced for migrants (RNZ)
Migrants applying for citizenship in New Zealand will have to pass a new multi-choice test under a government initiative to kick in late next year.
Read more here.
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown refers to RNZ staffer as 'a Muslim terrorist' (RNZ)
Mayor Wayne Brown referred to an RNZ staff member of Indian descent as "a Muslim terrorist" and commented on his beard as the man escorted him into the building for an interview.
Read more here.
Harnessing the economic potential of migrant women through better skills recognition (Australian Multicultural Women’s Alliance (AMWA)
A report by the Australian Multicultural Women’s Alliance states that only 41% of migrant women surveyed in Australia are working in roles aligned with their qualifications, and they earn 31% less than Australian-born women with similar qualifications.
Read more here.
Unions warn India-NZ FTA could lead to migrant exploitation (RNZ)
Unions are warning immigration provisions in the India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement could lead to the exploitation of migrant workers.
Read more here.
Seymour bemoans critics reducing immigration debate to 'soap opera' politics (RNZ)
David Seymour says ACT's immigration policy is a long-held approach aimed at tackling real challenges, and those claiming he's competing with New Zealand First should be more constructive.
Prominent critics of his immigration policy include opposition parties, an immigration lawyer, a sociologist - and his coalition partner.
Read more here.
Do you have news you would like to share in our fortnightly Sector Update? Simply email your update to: sectorupdates@belong.org.nz.
Ngā mihi,
Belong Aotearoa Team