Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 12 March 2026

This past weekend, International Women’s Day (IWD) unfolded against a backdrop of both hope and heaviness. The day has its roots in women’s political struggle, a continual recognition of the fight for rights, justice, and transformation. Yet this year, it was difficult to hold celebration and reality together. Around the world, strongman politics and militarised responses continue to cause hardship, with the Middle East particularly hard hit and millions caught in an escalating conflict. In this moment, it is impossible to separate IWD celebrations from the realities unfolding around us.

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. On Tuesday, I spoke with an Iranian Kiwi who has not heard from their family in nine days; others are trying to contact loved ones as bombs fall around them. There is enormous suffering on the ground, but also here at home, as communities struggle with anxiety, grief, and uncertainty. All of us in Aotearoa have a role to play in recognising that our neighbours are sad and grieving and may need a great deal of aroha and care.

And yet, despite this heaviness, so much important mahi continues across the motu to connect and support one another. I’m looking forward to joining the Flourishing Asian Communities & Workforce Symposium on Friday and a women-led Iftar event on Saturday, and for those based in Tāmaki Makaurau, we warmly encourage you to join our Meet2Connect gathering next Wednesday. There is also an array of workshops and conferences coming up – have a look at our Events section below and join in! In troubled times, sharing space, stories, and support can bring both comfort and strengthen our resistance in the face of overwhelming challenges, demonstrating the resilience we create through community.

Mauri ora,

Angela Wilton

Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa

In this issue:

• In Case You Missed It

• Events

• Media

In Case You Missed It

Hot Desk in Tāmaki Makaurau (Belong Aotearoa)

• Craving a change of scene and some human connection with like-minded folks? Belong Aotearoa’s Mount Albert hotdesks are just what you need! 

• For only $26/day + GST, enjoy a comfortable workspace with aircon that keeps you cool in summer and warm in winter, plus access to meeting rooms, a boardroom, commercial printer/scanner, and kitchen facilities. 

• Interested? Email gary@belong.org.nz.

Join Our Board | Shape an Inclusive Aotearoa  (Belong Aotearoa)

• Belong Aotearoa is seeking new Board members to join us in driving transformational change for refugee-background and migrant communities.

• We're looking for experienced governance professionals with expertise in finance, fundraising, or non-profit leadership who are passionate about inclusion and social justice.

• Applications close on Friday 13 March 2026.

• Apply here.

Job Opportunity: Community Engagement Support (Belong Aotearoa)

• This role is a short-term contract to provide community engagement support and Refugee Alliance coordination.

• Applications close Friday 13 March 2026.

• Find out more and apply here.

Job Opportunity: Safari Avondale Playgroup Leader (Belong Aotearoa)

• This role provides overall leadership and direction for Safari Avondale Playgroup, shaping a warm, welcoming and positive culture where both mums and children feel valued and supported.

• Applications close Friday 20 March 2026.

• Find out more and apply here.

Events

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshops (NFACT)

• Free, beginner-friendly AI workshops created for refugees, migrants, Māori, and Pacific communities as well as staff and trustees of the not-for-profit sector across New Zealand.

• When: February 2026 - May 2027.

• Where: Online and in person.

• To learn more, click here.

Changing the Narrative on Neurodiversity (Migrant Neuro-Inclusion Network)

• This free webinar focuses on moving beyond simple awareness toward genuine inclusion, recognising neurodivergence as a unique strength in our communities, schools and workplaces.

• When: Tuesday 17 March, from 7pm to 8pm.

• Where: Online.

• To register, click here.

Free Mental Health Workshop (MH101- Blueprint for Learning)

• This workshop will guide participants to recognise signs of mental health challenges and gain practical tools they can use to support people when they need it most.

• Where: New Zealand wide, in person and online.

• To learn more, click here.

Understanding and Navigating School and Systems (Migrant Action Trust)

• A free workshop to help migrant families understand and navigate the New Zealand school system. The session, featuring a Ministry of Education representative, covers school levels, enrollment, and support for families.

• When: Wednesday 25 March, from 10am to 12pm.

• Where: Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall.

• To learn more, click here.

Volunteering Rights and Responsibilities Online Workshop (Host International)

• This workshop will explore volunteer roles, rights and opportunities while learning how to grow personally and professionally through volunteering.

• When: Thursday 26 March, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.

• Where: Online.

• To learn more, click here.

Weaving Anti-racist Futures – Education Conference (Centre for Culture-Centred Approach to Research and Evaluation)

• This conference brings together educators, researchers and practitioners to explore how race and racism function in our education system by enabling us to confidently respond in practical ways.

• When: Sunday 5 July to Monday 6 July 2026.

• Where: Auckland.

• To learn more, click here.

Media

English doesn’t need protecting in New Zealand – but other languages do (The Conversation)

• With the English Language Bill recently introduced to parliament, many might think that English is endangered even when 96% of the population speak it. This article asks, why does English need to be an official language in Aotearoa when other minority languages need more protection?

• Read more here.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford apologises after inflating overstayer figures (RNZ)

• Immigration Minister Erica Stanford apologised after incorrectly claiming there were "tens of thousands more" overstayers than expected, when official figures showed otherwise. 

• Read more here.

NZ spy agency put US far-right group Proud Boys on terrorist list despite not meeting threshold (RNZ)

• New Zealand's Security Intelligence Service has admitted it never believed the Proud Boys met the threshold for terrorist designation when the group was added to the list in 2022, and was equally ambivalent when they were removed in 2025.

• Read more here.

Australia grants asylum to Iran women footballers  (Nz Herald)

• Five players from Iran's women's football team sought asylum in Australia after their silent protest during the national anthem at an Asian Cup match was seen as an act of defiance against the Iranian government.

• 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