Belong Sector Update 9 October 2025
Kia ora e te whānau,
This month marks one year since I joined Belong Aotearoa as Chief Executive. As I reflected in a recent LinkedIn piece, if there’s one thing the year has taught me, it’s that belonging in Aotearoa is inherently political. To build a more cohesive and caring society, we need to be awake; awake to Te Tiriti commitments, to inequities, and to each other’s humanity. Diverse communities must help shape solutions, but they cannot be left to carry the weight of fixing discriminatory structures they didn’t create. And above all, belonging is the antidote to division, calling on all of us, including our leaders across the political spectrum, to push back against harmful rhetoric and ensure social cohesion is a shared national goal.
That’s why I was so disappointed to hear the government’s recent refusal to recognise Palestinian statehood. As an organisation committed to supporting all cultures and communities to belong, we know how vital it is for everyone to feel seen and recognised, including on the world stage. The words of writer/activist James Baldwin ring true here: Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced. I believe this was a missed opportunity to face what must be changed for peace and justice in the Middle East, for all parties and peoples concerned.
On a brighter note, I had the joy of attending the Kahika Youth Graduation recently. Our amazing young people, who took part in a wide range of employment readiness workshops, spoke at the graduation with such courage and confidence. It was inspiring to see their achievements celebrated, and to work collaboratively with Refugees as Survivors NZ and the Red Cross Pathways to Employment programme. So many young people are showing remarkable resilience and determination despite the setbacks and frustrations of a job market as tough as this one.
And the countdown is on for our 20th Anniversary Celebration! If you haven’t registered yet, make sure you do: 16 October, 2pm to 4pm at the Fickling Convention Centre, Three Kings, Auckland. If you are in Tāmaki Makaurau, we would love you to join us as we mark this special milestone together. Sam Low, former Masterchef NZ winner, is our very fabulous MC. We have a thought-provoking keynote speaker, and other amazing guest speakers lined up. Join us also for delicious kai and birthday cake!
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In this issue:
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.
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.
Get Ahead of the Rush: Apply Early for Student Visas (Immigration NZ)
Immigration NZ is urging international students to submit their visa applications at least 3 months before travel to avoid delays during peak processing periods and notes late or incomplete applications may risk being declined.
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
Auckland Asia Festival 2025 (Auckland Showgrounds & Partners)
Experience New Zealand’s largest two-day Asian celebration, featuring cultural performances, a Migrant Expo, travel inspiration, and the biggest collection of Asian street food ever in NZ. Enjoy K-pop, lion dances, traditional dances, and more, all in one vibrant festival.
When: Saturday–Sunday, 11 and 12 October 2025.
Where: Auckland Showgrounds, 217 Green Lane West, Epsom.
Registration: free entry, no ticket required.
Onehunga High School Adult Learning Centre – Term 4 Workshops (Onehunga High School)
Explore a variety of creative and practical classes this term, including hand knitting, latte art, aromatherapy, candle making, language classes, weaving, and watercolours for beginners. Perfect for learners of all ages looking to develop new skills and hobbies.
When: Monday 13 October 2025 – term 4 schedule.
Where: Onehunga High School, 24 Pleasant Street.
To register, click here.
Free Job Search Workshops (Wesley Community Centre & Partners)
Join a series of practical workshops designed to help jobseekers navigate the NZ job market. Topics include CV and cover letter writing, interview preparation, and personal branding and networking.
When:
– CV & Cover Letter Writing: Wednesday 15 October 2025, from 10am to 1pm.
– Job Interview Prep: Tuesday 29 October, from 10am to 1pm.
– Personal Branding and Networking: Tuesday 5 November 2025, from 10am to 1pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Rd, Mt Roskill.
To register, click here.
Pre-Employment Rights Workshop (Auckland Community Law Centre)
Learn about your rights at work, job contracts, and how to handle workplace disputes. Ideal for newcomers and jobseekers navigating the NZ workplace.
When: Saturday 18 October 2025, from 10am to 12.30pm.
Where: Epsom Library, 195 Manukau Road, Epsom.
To register, click here.
Kotahitanga in Action (Connected Leadership)
Join a kōrero on strengthening social cohesion and inclusive leadership in Aotearoa. Hear from leaders across marae, business, and community, including our CEO, Angela, who will be one of the panelists. Light refreshments and networking to follow.
When: Wednesday 22 October, from 3pm to 5pm.
Where: Alberts: The Commons, 1 Albert Street.
To register, click here.
Addiction 101 Workshop (Blueprint for Learning & Te Whatu Ora)
Join us for the Addiction 101 workshop, designed to increase understanding of addiction, reduce stigma, and support recovery. Learn about the impacts of addiction, brain and body responses, and how to respond supportively. Ideal for social service workers, whānau, and anyone interested in learning more.
When: Friday 31 October, from 9am to 4.30pm.
Where: Bruce Pulman Park, 90 Walters Road, Takanini.
Cost: FREE (morning and afternoon tea included).
To register, click here.
African Health Expo 2025 (NZACHS & Partners)
Celebrate wellness, culture, and community at this year’s African Health Expo. Enjoy free health checks, kids’ activities, delicious African food, and live entertainment while learning about wellbeing in a fun and engaging space.
When: Saturday 1 November 2025, from 12pm to 4pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road.
Registration: Open to all, no registration required.
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
Up to 500 roles to be lost to automation by 2032 ( Immigration NZ)
Up to 500 roles at Immigration NZ, particularly in visa processing, are projected to be phased out by 2032 as part of a push toward full automation of decision-making systems.
“My Heart Sank”: Former Race Relations Commissioner on NZ’s Palestine Decision (Stuff)
The former Race Relations Commissioner says her “heart sank” upon hearing New Zealand’s recent decision on Palestine, warning that the move risks undermining moral leadership and social cohesion across the country.
Read the full article here.
Migrant bus drivers need to attain post-graduate level English for residency (RNZ)
New Immigration NZ rules require migrant bus drivers to achieve a high English score—like IELTS 6.5 or equivalent—that many say is designed for academic settings, not day-to-day work; drivers argue the requirement blocks them from applying for residency despite having the job experience
Read the full article 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