Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 25 September 2025
Kia ora e te whānau,
The past two weeks have been an interesting mix of both challenge and hope. At our most recent Meet2Connect, a monthly lunch gathering of the sector where we enjoy sharing kai and connecting (please come along to the next one if you’re in town!), some of us reflected that things feel heavy right now, both here at home and around the world. Rhetoric steeped in xenophobia, misogyny, and racism seems to be rising, shaping policies and daily experiences in ways that make many feel less safe and less able to speak up. On top of that, rising living costs in Aotearoa make affording even the basics feel like an uphill battle. It’s natural to question how to hold on to hope when so much seems uncertain.
The hope comes, as Mildred Armah writes in this article, when we reflect that people optimistically continue to choose Aotearoa as home, and the reasons for doing so are as diverse as the people themselves. For some it is safety, for others opportunity, or a chance to raise children in a place known for its openness and community. While our reality doesn’t always live up to that promise, the vision of Aotearoa as a place grounded in manaakitanga, fairness, and with a spirit of inclusivity and welcome, remains powerful. We can choose to protect and nurture those values, rather than lose sight of them when things get tough.
That thread of manaakitanga has also been visible in many ways over the past fortnight. I was delighted to celebrate Te Wiki o Manaaki at the Auckland Town Hall, where five local boards were officially accredited as Committed Welcoming Communities, a milestone that reflects our shared responsibility to create spaces of belonging. And most recently, Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori has reminded us of the deep ties between culture, heritage, land and people, and the central role of language in Aotearoa.
And in the spirit of connection and manaakitanga, we look forward to seeing you at our 20th anniversary celebrations on 16 October. We have a great MC, inspiring speakers, and delicious kai all lined up. Register here if you haven’t already!
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
Need a Hot Desk in Tāmaki Makaurau? (Belong Aotearoa)
Sick of working from your couch, kitchen table, or that suspiciously wobbly chair at home? We have the cure: $26/day hot desks at Belong Aotearoa.
What you get:
A proper desk (no cat sitting on your keyboard).
Great Wi-Fi and a regularly serviced printer/scanner (that won’t sabotage you with $80 cartridges that explode on your shirt).
Kitchen facilities (we like kai).
Actual humans to talk to.
Bonus: you’re in a hub of organisations supporting migrant & refugee-background communities.
Sound good? Email Gary at gary@belong.org.nz to grab your spot.
Job opportunity alert! (The Big Idea)
Looking for creative or arts sector work? A new role has been listed at The Big Idea.
To learn more, click here.
Job opportunity alert! (Counselling Services Centre)
CSC is hiring Court Support Workers to provide compassionate support for adults, tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau navigating the court process.
To learn more, click here.
Gary Ware Legacy Award now $9,000 (Amnesty International)
Youth under 25 can apply for funding to bring their human rights projects to life.
Applications close 31 October 2025.
To learn more, click here.
Refugee Survey 2025 (Immigration NZ)
Former refugees (16+) who’ve settled in NZ within the last 5 years are invited to take part in an anonymous survey (online, 13 languages) about education, employment, and participating in NZ life.
The survey is open from 10 September to 10 December 2025.
Events
Waitakere Community Hui (Waitakere Ethnic Board & NZSIS)
Join us for a hui on community safety and security. Hear directly from the NZSIS about their roles, national security insights, and how we can work together to keep Aotearoa safe. Light refreshments provided.
When: Thursday 25 September, from 4pm to 6pm.
Where: Waitakere Ethnic Board, 20 Alderman Drive, Henderson, Auckland
RSVP: Mandatory for catering.To register, click here.
Employment Rights & Responsibilities Workshop (DLA Piper NZ)
Join this free online workshop for refugee and migrant communities with reputable law firm, DLA Piper NZ. Learn your rights at work, what’s expected from you, and how to make the most of your job opportunities. Certificate included!
When: Thursday 25 September, from 7:30pm to 8:30pm.
Where: Online via Zoom.
Cost: Free.
Rise-n-Shine Wellbeing Programme (The Asian Network Inc. & Whau Ethnic Collective)
A free programme for migrant women to nurture mental, spiritual, and physical wellbeing.
When: Every Friday, starting 26 September, from 10am.
Where: New Lynn Community Centre.
Cost: Free.
To register, click here.
FREE Te Tiriti Workshop (Wesley Community Centre)
Join Migrant Action Trust, in partnership with Tangata Tiriti – Treaty People, for a free community workshop about Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Learn about the Treaty’s history, refresh your knowledge, and explore what it means for us today.
When: Saturday 27 September, from 9:30am to 4:30pm (arrive by 9:15am)
Where: Tarapunga Room, Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Rd, Wesley, Auckland.
Extras: Certificates provided and lunch included.
To register, email gene@migrantactiontrust.org.
Speed Dating for Community Organisations (Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga & Howick Local Board)
Connect with other community and not-for-profit organisations in South and East Auckland to share ideas, collaborate, and raise awareness of your work.
Refreshments provided.
When: Wednesday 1 October, from 10am to 11:30am.
Where: Te Tuhi, 21 William Roberts Road, Pakuranga.
RSVP: settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz (Vani Kapoor, Community Services Coordinator).
Grow and Flourish Community Event (Manurewa Community Network & Manurewa Local Board)
Enjoy community wellness stalls, face painting, balloon twisting, and live performances.
When: Thursday 2 October, from 10am to 2pm.
Where: Southmall Shopping Centre, Manurewa.
Cost: Free.
Media
Two Takes on Tākuta: Māori Sovereignty vs. Multiculturalism (E-Tangata)
A recent social media post by Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris, criticising the involvement of "Indians, Asians, Black, and Pākehā" in Labour's Tāmaki Makaurau by-election campaign, sparked debate. Mohan Dutta views Tākuta's statement as a call to honour Māori sovereignty and Te Tiriti o Waitangi, urging ethnic communities to support Māori voices in Māori seats. Denis O'Reilly acknowledges the need for Māori representation but expresses concern over the implications of such exclusivity for broader political collaboration.
Read the full story here.
Showcasing 8 Chinese short films (NZ Short Film Festival)
New Zealand film lovers are in for a treat this October - a chance to catch some of the most exciting short films coming out of China.
Read the full article here.
Far Right Protest in England (NZ Herald)
More than 100,000 people descended on central London for the “Unite the Kingdom” demonstration on Saturday, local time.
Read the full story here.
