Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 12 February 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
Last week, we all marked Waitangi Day in different ways. Interestingly, the Human Rights Commission also released its latest Horizon survey, which tracks people’s awareness, understanding, and attitudes towards Te Tiriti over time. The survey found that almost three-quarters of people in Aotearoa believe honouring Te Tiriti is important for the future of Aotearoa, with strong support for respectful discussion (78%), positive relationships between Māori and the Crown (83%), and legal and constitutional protection of Te Tiriti (70%).
In a climate where debate can feel increasingly polarised, these findings point to something more hopeful: a shared belief in belonging, human rights, and the importance of understanding our collective history. Similar sentiments were captured in a recent Te Ao Māori News article that highlights the perspectives of diverse tauiwi (non-Māori) who describe Te Tiriti as a touchstone for justice, solidarity, and responsibility, shaped by their own experiences of displacement and colonisation elsewhere.
It has been lovely to see our tamariki return to school after a long summer break. Seeing my two settle back into high school has been a joy, but it also got me thinking about the world they are growing up in. I remain extremely concerned about the increasing normalisation of racist rhetoric and discrimination, both locally and globally. Recent attacks by Donald Trump on the Obamas are a stark reminder that race continues to be wielded as a deflection from deeper societal issues. For parents like me, and for all of us committed to a future where our children grow up in a country that honours Te Tiriti and embraces diversity, these trends reinforce that there is still much mahi to do to ensure Aotearoa remains a place of manaakitanga, equity, and justice.
Last week was also a tough week for many in our community as we shared a profound loss. We said farewell to our much-respected friend, colleague, and Belong Aotearoa Board member Ron Lal, who passed away on 1 February. Ron’s funeral was a moving celebration of a life lived in service, attended by people from across communities and political traditions, a reflection of the bridges he built and the respect he earned throughout his life. He gave generously to our mahi and to countless organisations working for community wellbeing. His leadership, collegiality, and care touched many, and he will be deeply missed. Our aroha is with his wife and two children, and with all those whose lives were shaped by his presence.
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)
Tired of melting in your home office during the summer heat or being squished at the dining table? 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.
Workplace Inclusion Barometer (Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion)
Te Uru Tāngata Centre for Workplace Inclusion has launched the Workplace Inclusion Barometer, a survey measuring trust, belonging and inclusion at work.
If you’re in paid employment, we encourage you to take part and share it with your team. Every voice helps build a clearer picture of what workplace inclusion really looks like across Aotearoa.
Fill in the survey here.
The New Zealand Society of Translators and Interpreters Conference (NZSTI) - Call for proposals
NZSTI invites translators, interpreters, researchers, educators, students, agencies, service users, and sector partners to consider contributing to the conference programme. They are interested in reflecting a wide range of voices, experiences, and perspectives from across Aotearoa and beyond.
When: 11 to 13 September. The deadline for submissions is 30 March.
Where: Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Find out more here.
Events
Free Online Water Safety Workshop (Drowning Prevention Auckland / Drowning Prevention Aotearoa)
Join this workshop to learn how to stay safe in and around the water:
15 essential water skills to prevent drowning
The “Float First” approach and why it saves lives
Life jacket safety and proper use
Access free resources and opportunities.
When: Thursday 12 February, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Online on Microsoft Teams.
Register here.
2026 Chinese New Year Festival and Market Day (Auckland Chinese Community Centre Inc)
Join the Auckland Chinese Community Centre Inc. in welcoming the Year of the Horse.
This event features over 200 stalls, an extensive entertainment programme of Chinese cultural songs, dances and musical items, and entertainment, games, and rides for children.
When: Saturday 14 February, from 9.30am to 4pm.
Where: Auckland Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom, Auckland.
Tickets: Free.
To learn more, click here.
Personal Branding & Networking Jobseeker Workshop (Migrant Action Trust)
In this workshop, you will understand how to build a personal brand that resonates with local employers and learn practical networking strategies to connect with professionals and opportunities in Aotearoa.
Open to all newcomers and job seekers. Light refreshments provided.
When: Wednesday 18 February, from 10.30am to 1pm.
Where: Anzac Room, Mt. Roskill War Memorial Hall.
Tickets: Free.
Register here.
Peacenic 2026 ( Council of Christians and Muslims)
Launched by the Auckland Council of Christians and Muslims in 2016, the annual Peacenic 'picnic for peace' grew out of a desire to replace the polarising bad-news stories that dominate media attention with real experiences of hospitality and friendship in our own backyard.
Basic refreshments will be provided, but feel free to bring along your favourite cup of tea or a snack to share.
When: Sunday 15 February, from 3pm to 6pm.
Where: Arthur Faulkner Park, Mt Roskill.
Tickets: Free.
RSVP here.
Big Gay Out
A free, fun, family-friendly pride event featuring music, performances, food, community stalls, health services, and rainbow culture, bringing together LGBTQIA+ people, their whānau, and allies to celebrate diversity and connection.
Ethnic Rainbow Alliance will have a stand.
When: Sunday 15 February, from 12pm to 7pm.
Where: Coyle Park, Tāmaki Makaurau.
Tickets: Free.
To learn more, click here.
Understand your Rights and Responsibilities - Free Community Information Session (MBIE, Multicultural Council Rotorua and Rotorua Lakes Council)
This free session will provide information on:
• Tenancy rights and obligations
• Employment rights and minimum standards
• The role of MBIE’s Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team
• The role of the Labour Inspectorate
• Where to find trusted information and how to seek help
When: Thursday 19 February, from 6pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Hindu Heritage Centre, Rotorua.
Register here.
Art Blast - Artist activation/performer/workshop submission
A dynamic, community-focused arts event, bringing together local artists, performers, and residents to engage in live art experiences and performances.
When: Saturday 28 February, from 12pm to 4pm.
Where: Rocket Park, Mt Albert.
Tickets: Free.
Toitū: Visual Sovereignty Screening and Q&A (South Asian Solidarities)
The film follows artist and curator Nigel Borell as he brings together the largest Māori exhibition ever with over 300 works and 100 Māori artists at the Auckland Art gallery. Five years in the making, this documentary bears witness to both celebration and the ongoing constraints between colonial institutions and Māori self determination.
When: Sunday 1 March, from 11am to 3pm.
Where: The Capitol Cinema, Auckland.
The Flourishing Asian Communities & Workforce Symposium (Asian Family Services)
A national event dedicated to honouring, elevating, and empowering Asian practitioners, researchers, and community leaders. This full-day gathering offers a platform for connection, reflection, and learning while recognising excellence, launching new initiatives, and fostering collective wellbeing.
When: Friday 13 March, from 9am and 4.20pm.
Where: Novotel Auckland Ellerslie.
Tickets: Free
Register here.
Whiria Ngā Kaha Workplace Inclusion Aotearoa 2026 conference! (Te Uru Tāngata)
A two-day conference in Auckland that brings together diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) practitioners, leaders, and allies to share ideas, practical strategies, and experiences for building more inclusive workplaces. It features keynote speakers, panels (that include our very own CEO, Angela Wilton), and interactive sessions on leading inclusion into the future, and is held alongside the Diversity Awards NZ.
When: Tuesday 5 May and Wednesday 6 May.
Where: Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments.
Learn more here.
Media
How rugby and NZ are giving hope in war-torn Ukraine (RNZ)
Two Ukrainian rugby coaches spent a week in New Zealand learning from top rugby figures including Sir Graham Henry and the Hurricanes, as part of an initiative to help Ukrainian youth through rugby despite the devastating war that has killed many players and damaged the country's sports infrastructure.
Read more here.
Peters and Luxon both say the other is wrong on the India deal. Who is right? (The Spinoff)
Winston Peters and Christopher Luxon are clashing over New Zealand's India free-trade agreement, with Peters claiming it could bring 20,000 Indian nationals via immigration provisions while Luxon says Peters is "wrong" and the deal contains no immigration.
Read more here.
PM Christopher Luxon says US president Donald Trump should apologise for 'racist' Obama post (RNZ)
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon called Donald Trump's social media post depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes "racist" and said the US president should apologise for it.
Read more here.
Two protests in Auckland's CBD monitored by police with cordons, road closures (RNZ)
Police monitored two Auckland protests recently with cordons and road closures, one led by Brian Tamaki's Freedom and Rights Coalition that marched 1,200 people to a motorway cordon, and another led by Toitū te Aroha calling for solidarity among diverse communities.
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