Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 29 January 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
Flooding at State Highway 25 close to Ocean Beach Rd in Tairua. (Source: Renee Lansdowne)
Recent tragic events across the motu have shown the growing impacts of climate change. Extreme weather is becoming more frequent and severe, affecting communities in Aotearoa and around the world. These events remind us that caring for the planet and strengthening our preparedness at home go hand in hand, recognising that global forces shape local impacts, and that what we do here also matters globally.
This environmental turbulence sits alongside a shifting global order. Some see this moment as more of the same: powerful nations continuing to extract resources, while migrants and others are blamed for problems created by unequal economic systems. Others see opportunity in more flexible approaches. In a “multiplex” world, power is more dispersed, with countries working across cultural and political differences. Plurilateral coalitions focus on building trust between states and communities, rather than relying on often-stalled global institutions. For a small country like Aotearoa, this means working collaboratively overseas while strengthening social cohesion at home.
In an election year, the challenge is how we work together rather than becoming more divided. Our ability to build trust and social cohesion at home underpins strong relationships abroad, as how we act domestically is closely linked to how we navigate an increasingly complex world.
This brings us to Waitangi Day on 6 February. Te Tiriti o Waitangi reminds us that multiple worlds can coexist, and that connection and collaboration help us face shared challenges such as climate change and unequal power. As we honour Waitangi Day and celebrate other February events like the beginning of Ramadan, the Lunar New Year, and various Pride festivals, Belong Aotearoa recommits to caring for our planet, strengthening social cohesion, and building coalitions that work.
This mahi matters deeply in an election year, as the choices we make now shape the future we share.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In this issue:
Events
Media
Events
Te Kotahitanga – Commemorating the Treaty of Waitangi (H.O.P.E. Worldwide-Pakistan)
Special event and an opportunity to come together as communities, reflect on the Treaty of Waitangi, and celebrate unity, respect, and shared belonging in Aotearoa.
There will be cultural performances, community stalls, workshops, food and music.
When: Thursday 6 February, from 4pm to 8pm.
Where: Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre.
Free event.
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.
Employment Rights Workshop for Newcomers & Jobseekers (Auckland Community Law Centre)
Whether you're applying for your first job or already working, it’s important to know how to protect yourself and where to turn if things go wrong.
Open to all newcomers and job seekers.
When: Saturday 14 February, from 10am to 12.30pm.
Where: Glass Room, Epsom Library.
Tickets: Free.
To learn more, click 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.
Queer Story Tiles (Ethnic Rainbow Alliance and the Queer Clay Club)
FREE hands-on workshop where you’ll design and decorate your own clay tile; a miniature artwork that tells your story. It might be a memory, a symbol of identity, a moment of joy, or something you want to honour.
When: Thursday 19 February, from 6pm to 9pm.
Where: Te Au o Te Koopua.
Tickets: Free.
To learn more, click 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.
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.
Through keynote addresses, awards, and interactive workshops, the day explores how cultural intelligence, innovation, and lived experience strengthen workforce capability across the sectors of mental health, addiction, and 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
Ethnic leaders call for calm after Sikh parade disruptions (RNZ)
Ethnic leaders call for calm after two Sikh parades in New Zealand were disrupted by protesters, urging the community to ignore future provocations.
Read more here.
Over half of government retail crime advisory group resigns (RNZ)
Three of five members of a government retail crime advisory group resigned citing an untenable relationship with chairman Sunny Kaushal, who remains despite the group also facing criticism for its spending.
Read more here.
Immigration scam phone calls on the rise (Immigration NZ)
Immigration New Zealand is aware of recent phone scams, with callers pretending to be from INZ and using New Zealand mobile numbers. These calls are not genuine.
Read more here.
Skilled migrants on path to residency warned status may change (RNZ)
Skilled migrants who were told their jobs qualified them for residency are being warned their status may change due to New Zealand using two conflicting classification systems.
Read more here.
Ukraine Resident Visa category closing in March 2026 (Immigration NZ)
Anyone holding a Special Ukraine Visa wanting to remain in New Zealand permanently must apply for a Ukraine Resident Visa on or before 16 March 2026.
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