Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 15 January 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
Happy New Year! I hope many of you were able to rest, escape the heat or storms, spend time with loved ones, or simply slow down over the past few weeks. Our office reopened on 5 January with a skeleton crew, and, like much of Aotearoa, activity will ramp up as more people return.
I am mindful that saying ‘Happy New Year’ reflects only one worldview. Many cultures and religions mark new beginnings at different times, from lunar calendars to seasons and spiritual traditions, with Matariki in June/July being one example here in Aotearoa. I hope that whichever new year you observe, this summer break (if you got one!) was a good one for you.
Despite the holiday pause, watching recent events unfold globally has been incredibly challenging - from the U.S. military operation in Venezuela in the name of oil and strategic profiteering, to continued violence by ICE on U.S. streets, while unrest in Iran grows and wider geopolitical instability continues to shape an increasingly frayed world order. For many of us in Aotearoa who also call other places home, these times are particularly challenging as we try to understand what it means for our whānau and communities abroad. Unfortunately, these global events are largely absent from this somewhat insular list of big political issues in NZ for 2026, even though the world stage is closely intertwined with our own.
In Aotearoa, the recent targeting of Sikh communities by certain protesters (again) shows how migrants continue to be scapegoated for deeper structural inequities. These tactics - exploiting frustration to divide and gain power - mirror strategies seen around the world, while the entrenched systems that disadvantage many stay in place. Distraction, gaslighting, and exclusion cannot take our focus off the root causes of these inequities.
The positive is that, for us in Aotearoa, this is an election year, and therefore an opportunity to ensure the issues that matter remain front and centre. I look forward to our collective efforts to advance equity, manaakitanga, and Te Tiriti-centred futures this year.
Welcome to 2026 - there is indeed much mahi ahead!
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
Aged 17 - 35 and keen to learn more about political organising in Aotearoa? Join Ōtaki Summer Camp!
Ōtaki Summer Camp is for young people with an interest in politics, justice, anti-racism, equality and the environment. It’s a chance to hear and discuss interesting ideas, meet and get to know others who care, and explore local mountains, forests and rivers with experienced guides.
When: Friday 16 January, on-site registration opens at 1pm. (Pōwhiri/ welcome at 4:30pm) - Monday 19 January (poroporoaki/ farewell at 3.30pm, with camp officially finishing at 4pm).
Where: Just outside Ōtaki - support is available to help you get from public transport to the camp venue.
Cost of discounted tickets: $30.
Learn more here.
Waitakere Ethnic Board (WEB) is looking for new members
WEB is a community-led organisation that advocates for, supports, and represents ethnic communities across the Waitakere area. Membership allows individuals to stay informed about WEB’s work, participate in meetings and consultations, have a voice in decision-making, and contribute to community initiatives and advocacy efforts.
The membership form can be found here.
Learn to Swim Safe & Confident (All Hands Aotearoa)
All Hands Aotearoa’s Learn to Swim – Safety & Confident Programme empowers women and girls to develop essential water-safety skills while building lifelong confidence in and around the water.
Duration: 3 months.
Each participant receives 10x fully or partially funded swimming lessons.
Learn more here.
Women On Wheels (All Hands Aotearoa)
The Women on Wheels project directly supports the New Zealand Government’s top priority of “social cohesion and inclusion” by addressing systemic transport barriers faced by women and girls from multicultural communities across Aotearoa.
This project offers free or subsidised, culturally tailored driving lessons, including translated instructional materials.
Open to women and girls (aged 16 years and above) from diverse ethnic communities in New Zealand.
Learn more here.
Poll reveals overwhelming support to curb migrant exploitation (Human Rights Commission)
Recently released data shows four out of five New Zealanders want stronger action on stopping migrant exploitation.
A Horizon Research survey, conducted on behalf of the Commission, found 89% of New Zealanders believe all people, including migrants, should be treated with hospitality, care and manaaki in the workplace. The polling data also found 80% of New Zealanders want the government to take meaningful action to address the exploitation of migrants living and working in our communities.
Learn more here.
Asylum Seekers Support Trust Guidebook for new asylum seekers out now.
The guidebook is designed to support asylum seekers by providing essential information, along with QR code links to service providers.
Access the guidebook here.
Events
Mixit Summer Show 2026 (Mixit)
Mixit presents a 2026 summer performance where a group of young people from diverse backgrounds share what they think our lives and the world could look like in the year 2050. Do we see a future of fear and anxiety or optimism and hope?
The stories, movement, music and projected images devised from scratch to stage, will be presented over three performances.
When:
Saturday 24 January, from 1pm and 5pm.
Sunday 25 January, from 5pm.
Where: Pitt St Theatre, 78 Pitt St, Central City.
Tickets: $10 - $30 (Pay What You Can) Cash or bank transfers at the door. Seating is limited, so reserve your seats at info@mixit.co.nz.
Kickstart Your Job Search in 2026 – Free 3-Part Workshop Series! (Migrant Action Trust)
CV & Cover Letter Writing
When: Wednesday 4 February, from 10:30am to 1pm
Where: Wesley Community Centre – Tarapunga Room
Job Interview Prep
When: Wednesday 11 February, from 10:30am to 1pm
Where: Anzac Room, Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall
Personal Branding & Networking
When: Wednesday 18 February, from 10:30am to 1pm
Where: Anzac Room, Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall
Register here.
Media
Large fire breaks out in East Auckland building as firefighters strike (NZ Herald)
A large fire destroyed Pita House, a Lebanese grocery store in Pakuranga owned by Syrian brothers who came to New Zealand 20 years ago. The family described watching their business burn as "devastating”.
Read more here.
Sikh Parade in South Auckland Disrupted by Haka-Performing Protesters Linked to Brian Tamaki (Waatea News)
A Sikh parade in Manurewa, South Auckland, was disrupted by around 50 protesters linked to Destiny Church, who blocked the route, displayed banners reading "This is New Zealand, not India," and performed a haka. The incident has sparked debate on multiculturalism and religious expression, with Sikh leaders calling for dialogue and reaffirmation of diversity and inclusion.
Read more here.
Goldsmith unlawfully appointed Human Rights Commissioner and Race Relations Commissioner (RNZ)
The High Court ruled that Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith unlawfully appointed the Human Rights Commissioner and the Race Relations Commissioner, finding he failed to apply the correct legal test and consider mandatory factors. Neither will be removed from their roles while Goldsmith considers next steps, including a possible appeal.
Read more here.
Charter school approvals board apologises after complaint alleged ‘discriminatory comments’ (The Post)
New Zealand’s charter school approvals board has apologised after a Muslim school complained about “profoundly inappropriate and discriminatory comments” during its application process.
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