Belong Sector Update 23 October 2025
Kia ora e te whānau,
It has been a season of celebration for us at Belong Aotearoa. On Thursday 16 October, we marked Belong Aotearoa’s 20th anniversary, a milestone that brought together friends, partners, and supporters from across the motu. With MC Sam Low, inspiring speakers, and plenty of good kai and birthday cake, it was an afternoon filled with warmth and laughter. We were privileged to hear from Michael Phillips, Tayyaba Khan, Professor Mohan Dutta, Tsehainesh Hibtit, and Ed Amon, each sharing powerful reflections on belonging, culture, and community. From our beginnings as the Auckland Regional Migrant Service to today’s focus on systems change and social inclusion, this journey has been shaped by thousands of voices, stories, and shared efforts to make Aotearoa a place where everyone feels they belong.
Amidst the celebrations, we’ve also been continuing the important work of advocacy and policy engagement. Over recent weeks, we’ve met with several politicians to highlight issues that matter deeply to our communities. We spoke with Minister Casey Costello, Associate Minister of Immigration, about family reunification delays and community sponsorship, and invited her to the upcoming Refugee Alliance hui. We also hosted Phil Twyford and Vanushi Walters at our office to discuss topics ranging from immigration and foreign affairs to social cohesion and upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi. With national elections approaching next year, we know the voices, experiences, and priorities of diverse communities must be heard by those shaping the future of Aotearoa.
This season of celebration also invites reflection. While we have had much to celebrate, we know that many are facing tough times, with rising racism and xenophobia, growing inequities, and economies that don’t work for everyone. As many across the motu have been celebrating Diwali, we’re reminded that even in challenging times, light still finds its way through, and that hope is what connects and sustains us.
As I stated at our 20th anniversary, hope is a form of resistance, a steady belief that, together, we can help shape a fairer and more connected Aotearoa. We thus look forward, with hope, to another 20 years of collective mahi.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In this issue:
In Case You Missed It
Parent Boost Visitor Visa Now Open (Immigration NZ)
Eligible parents of NZ citizens and residents can stay for up to five years, with renewal options.
Sponsorship and insurance are required.
Learn more and apply here.
Proposed Fortnightly Rubbish Collection Trial (Auckland Council)
Auckland Council is seeking feedback on a proposed six-month trial moving from weekly to fortnightly rubbish collections in parts of Te Atatū Peninsula, Panmure/Tāmaki, and Clendon Park/Weymouth. The trial aims to reduce waste going to landfill as part of Auckland's Zero Waste by 2040 goal.
Consultation dates: 13 to 31 October 2025.
Trial period (if approved): Late February to late August 2026, covering about 10,000 properties.
Have your say here.
Events
Welcome to Auckland / Bienvenidos a Auckland (Allyship Projects)
Join the first workshop delivered in Spanish, covering Māori identity and key services including transport, banks and IRD, and the medical system. Delivered in collaboration with Waitematā, Kaipātiki, and Ōrākei Local Boards.
When: Tuesday 29 October, from 6pm.
Where: Ellen Melville Centre.
To register, click here.
Housing (Tenancy) Rights and Responsibilities Workshop (HOST International Aotearoa New Zealand)
Join a free online workshop for refugee and migrant communities to learn about tenancy rights and responsibilities in New Zealand. Understand what to expect from your tenancy and what is expected from you as a tenant. Certificate of attendance provided.
When: Thursday 30 October, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Online via Zoom.
To register, click here.
African Health Expo 2025 (NZACHS and Partners)
Celebrate wellness, culture, and community at this year’s African Health Expo. Enjoy free health checks, kid’s activities, delicious African food, and live entertainment while learning about wellbeing in a fun and engaging space.
When: Saturday 1 November, from 12pm to 4pm.
Where: Wesley Comunity Centre, 740 Sandringham Road.
Registration: Open to all, no registration required.
Beyond the Sidelines: The Power of Sports in Refugee Integration (IRISE Virtual Exchange)
Explore how sports have been used as a pathway for refugee settlement and integration in Australia, Canada, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the United States. A global gathering of organisations and individuals supporting refugees through resettlement and complementary pathways.
When: Thursday 13 November, from 11am to 12.30pm.
Where: Online.
To register, click here.
Advancing Equity: Social Determinants in Migrant and Refugee Health Research Symposium (Migrant and Refugee Health Research Centre and New Zealand Policy Research Institute)
Hear from researchers, policymakers and postgraduate students
Learn about grassroots, community-led initiatives improving migrant and refugee health outcomes.
When: Friday 21 November, from 8am to 5pm.
Where: AUT North Campus.
Register here.
White Ribbon Day Fundraiser Dinner (Family Action - Whānau Toa)
Join a special evening of food, inspiring speakers, and community spirit to support women, children, and whānau in West Auckland. All funds raised support women and children impacted by family or sexual violence.
When: Monday 25 November, arrive from 6.30pm for a 7pm start.
Where: La Rosa Restaurant.
Cost: $80 per person (includes three-course meal, raffles and prizes, cash bar available).
To purchase tickets, click here.
Refugee Alliance Hui 2025 (The Refugee Alliance)
Join Alliance members, refugee-led organisations, MPs, and sector partners for a day of advocacy, collaboration, and strategic engagement.
When: Wellington on 25 November, Auckland on 28 November 2025.
Where: TBC (details to be confirmed closer to the date).
To register, click here.
Connect and Thrive: Networking and Speed Mentoring Event (HZ Consulting)
A unique opportunity for women from diverse backgrounds to build meaningful connections, share knowledge, and gain insights from experienced mentors and professionals.
When: Saturday 29 November, from 10.30am to 1.30pm.
Where: Auckland (Location TBC).
To register, click here.
Media
Thousands of Modern Slavery Victims Estimated in New Zealand (RNZ)
Walk Free's Global Slavery Index estimates 8,000 people in NZ are living in modern slavery.
Police had 31 new trafficking investigations last year.
Experts call for a national referral mechanism and a police-led trafficking unit.
Victims currently lack adequate support systems and resources.
Read more here.
Population Growth from Migration Averaging Less Than 1000 a Month (Interest.co.nz)
NZ citizens leaving long-term peaked at 7,602 in January 2025, the highest since 2001.
Departures have declined to 5,604 in August, but more citizens are leaving than returning.
The net loss of NZ citizens was offset by a gain of 5,533 citizens of other countries in August.
Read more here.
Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) Programme Evaluation (Immigration NZ)
An independent evaluation confirms the CORS programme's positive impact.
Sponsors and refugees describe it as life-changing.
The evaluation shares powerful stories of community-led refugee sponsorship.
Read the full story 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