Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 4 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
NZ budget week is still on the minds of many of us and the numbers provide an opportunity to reflect on our collective priorities. Thanks to analysis from Ethnic Research Aotearoa, we know there has been more funding allocated towards provision in schools for speakers of other languages, and efforts to address migrant exploitation. At the same time, the baseline allocation for the Ministry for Ethnic Communities has decreased, as have budgets for the public service delivering essential mahi across the motu.
In a country where approximately a third of the population (and over 40% of Aucklanders) were born outside Aotearoa, there is an opportunity to consider how we support our increasingly diverse population. As our migrant communities continue to grow and diversify, these investments and reductions prompt important conversations about where we see investment needed to ensure equity and wellbeing across Aotearoa.
Africa day celebrations at Silo Park in Tāmaki Makaurau
Supporting communities facing structural barriers and inequities, investing in programmes that strengthen participation and belonging, resourcing community organisations to deliver vital services, and actively challenging narratives that scapegoat migrants and former refugees are all examples where support should be funded. At a time when many people feel left behind by economic systems that are not working equally for everyone, we should be deepening our understanding of equity and how that plays out in national budgets.
Meanwhile, here at Belong Aotearoa, it has been a busy and rewarding few weeks. From sharing stories of migration and belonging at Mars NZ's cross-cultural event, to delivering courses at Wesley and New Lynn Community Centres, to joining Africa Day celebrations, to celebrating Pride month, and to Safari families exploring the city and building confidence using public transport – we have been busy. And while we look on at national budget debates and the complexities of who and what is included, we also know through our collective work, that belonging is built every day through relationships, responsibility for one another, equity, and community.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
Hot Desk in Tāmaki Makaurau (Belong Aotearoa)
Craving a change of scene and some human connection with people who are making a difference in Aotearoa? Belong Aotearoa’s Mount Albert hotdesks are just what you need!
For only $26/day + GST, enjoy a comfortable workspace with access to meeting rooms, a boardroom, commercial printer/scanner, and kitchen facilities.
Interested? Click here.
Language requirements extended to Accredited Employer Work Visa skill level 3 roles (New Zealand Immigration)
From 1 June, minimum English language requirements will apply to all ANZSCO and National Occupation List skill Level 3 occupations.
These roles will be subject to the same language requirements as ANZSCO skill Level 4 and 5 occupations.
Read more here.
Events
Community workshop about the Treaty of Waitangi (Tangata Tiriti - Treaty People)
This is an interactive workshop for ethnic communities and families to learn about their connection to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, New Zealand history and important te reo Māori words and resources in many languages to take home.
When: Saturday 13 June, from 10am to 12.30pm.
Where: Epsom Community Centre.
Register for this free workshop here.
Tutoring for Migrants - Bridging the Educational gap (Allyship Projects Trust)
Students can gain foundational support in Maths, Science, and English, as well as homework guidance. The classes offer support to students from Year 6 up to Year 10.
When: Every Tuesday and Wednesday 13 May, from 4pm to 5pm.
Where: Allyship Community HUB 179A Archers Rd.
Register:join@allyship.nz
Food Safety Free Information Session (Citizens Advice Bureau)
This session will provide a refresher on food safety habits, practical day-to-day food safety advice, how to handle, prepare, cook and store food to avoid food poisoning and much more.
When: Friday 12 June, from 10.30am to 11.30am.
Where: Howick Local Board Room, Pakuranga Library.
Register:settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz
Requesting articles for 5th edition of Culture New Zealand magazine (Nepalese Cultural Centre New Zealand Inc)
Share an article from your community highlighting your culture, traditions, history, and community activities for the Culture New Zealand magazine.
When: Tuesday 30 June.
Send to:kamalnshree@gmail.com
Media
Asylum Seekers Support Trust Say “We Have More In Common Than Sets Us Apart” (Scoop)
The polls suggest that cost of living, economy, healthcare, poverty, inequality and climate change are in the list of Top 10 issues that concerns us all; ranking higher than immigration in our day to day worries.
Yet, from the legislation being pushed at us to the big set piece political speeches, you would never think that immigration ranks so low on our list of collective priorities.
Read more here.
Asian New Zealanders celebrated in King’s Birthday Honours List (RNZ)
Close to a dozen Asian New Zealanders have been recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours List for their services to the country.
Read more here.
Back Issues: Making a new life in Palmerston North (The Post)
Seventy five years go, in 1951, the Goya sailed three times to Wellington, bringing approximately 2300 displaced persons to fill New Zealand’s skilled labour shortage.
Read more here.
Immigration Policy or the politics of fear against asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants (Salient Magazine)
The language, mechanisms, and punitive assumptions of criminal law are used as frameworks for immigration law where migrants - particularly asylum seekers and irregular migrants- are treated less as rights-bearing individuals and more as potential threats.
Read more here.
Asian patients missing language support before surgeries (RNZ)
Asian patients at Waikato Hospital with limited English proficiency have been left without language support at one of the most critical moments in healthcare - consenting to surgery.
Read more here.
English requirements extended to more migrant workers from next week (1news)
Thousands of migrant workers applying for jobs in trades, hospitality and other mid-skilled roles will need to meet basic English language requirements from next week under new rules that expand existing requirements.
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