Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 18 June 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
Every Sunday, I have a Zoom call to connect with my family in Canada. This past weekend, the conversation focused on the FIFA Men's World Cup being hosted across Mexico, the United States, and Canada. Our FIFA chat prompted discussions about belonging and allegiance, including a question which might be familiar for many migrant and refugee-background communities: who do you cheer for? Is it the country where you were born, the country where you now live, or perhaps the country your parents still call home? Or another country located nearby? For many of us who connect to more than one homeland, we know that belonging and allegiance is not simply a choice between places but a weaving together of multiple identities, relationships, and histories.
Yet coming together across cultures can carry complexity and tension. Alongside images of young men competing on football fields, we have also seen images of young men taking to the streets in anti-migrant protests in places such as Belfast, encouraged by voices seeking to turn grievance into societal division. We have seen similar unrest across other parts of the United Kingdom, Europe, Australia, and, at times, here in Aotearoa. Some scholars describe this tension through the lens of ontological insecurity: in this case, the discomfort for some that comes when long-held ideas about national identity are challenged by demographic and social change. In Aotearoa, these conversations sit alongside a longer history in which ideas about national identity have often privileged some stories while marginalising others, particularly Māori. Yet the picture is never singular. The challenge before us is not how to recapture the singular story, but how to build a future where difference is embraced as part of who we are becoming.
Tūhonohono Ethnic Leaders Network hui
These themes were present at the Tūhonohono Ethnic Leaders Network hui held last week, supported by the Henderson-Massey Local Board. Following a presentation from the Ministry of Social Development, community leaders engaged directly with local decision-makers, including Local Board member Susan Diao, MP Phil Twyford, and a representative from MP Cameron Brewer's office. The issues discussed had emerged from earlier conversations among ethnic leaders themselves, creating a forum grounded in community priorities and lived experience. The value of such gatherings lies in the opportunity to listen, question, challenge, collaborate, and learn from one another, including where we may not agree on every issue. As the 7 November national election approaches, we look forward to further opportunities for diverse communities to engage with those seeking public office and to contribute their perspectives on how Aotearoa can address the barriers to belonging experienced by migrant and refugee-background communities.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
Cross-sector open letter calling for digital accountability in Aotearoa New Zealand (Amnesty International and Tāhono Trust)
#NoHarmware campaign is calling on the government to introduce four core requirements for digital platforms operating in Aotearoa: accountability, transparency, integrity and response.
You can read and sign the letter here.
Betty Amtman Scholarship for Refugee and Asylum Seeker Women (AUT Foundation)
Applications are now open for a $5000 scholarship for a woman of refugee or asylum seeker background who is enrolled at AUT in either the first, second, or third year of a bachelor’s degree, or undertaking postgraduate study.
Find out more here.
Study Exploring the Acculturation and School Adjustment Experiences of African Students in New Zealand High Schools (Auckland University)
A University of Auckland research study is inviting African high school students to participate in a study exploring school adjustment and acculturation experiences. Participation includes an anonymous online survey and an optional interview.
Students can enter a prize draw for vouchers.
Parents and students can find more information by contacting the researcher Chidiogo at cmue440@aucklanduni.ac.nz.
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.
Events
Learn & Thrive: Identity, Belonging, and Authentic Leadership (HZ Consulting)
This is a two-part online workshop on identity, belonging and authentic leadership designed for women from diverse backgrounds who want to lead with authenticity, purpose, and confidence.
When: Thursday 25 June, from 12pm to 2pm and Thursday 2 July, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Online.
Register for this workshop here.
Accredited Social Return on Investment Training (The Social Prism)
This training is ideal for professionals across the not-for-profit, government, philanthropy, corporate, and research sectors interested in integrating social impact measurement and reporting in their work.
When: Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July 2026.
Where: Sudima Hotel, Auckland City.
Register for this workshop here.
Tezhip Artistry Workshop (Pearl of the Islands Foundation)
A women-only workshop to explore traditional techniques and enjoy meaningful conversations in a warm and creative atmosphere.
When: Saturday 27 June, from 3pm to 6pm.
Where: Elevate Youth and Community Centre.
Register for this workshop here.
Emergency Preparedness Online Workshop (HOST International)
Join this workshop to learn about the simple steps to get your home ready for emergencies, how having a clear plan keeps your whānau safe, and how to easily prepare the supplies you need.
When: Thursday 25 June, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Online.
Register for this workshop here.
Voices of Care: Navigating Advanced Care Planning Together (Hospice West Auckland)
In this webinar, participants will join Dr Oleg Kiriav where he will explore communication strategies to navigate cultural nuances, counter common misconceptions, and aim to effectively align clinical goals with patient wishes in advance care planning.
When: Wednesday 8 July, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Online.
Register for this workshop here.
75 Years of Protection: Strengthening Refugee Futures and Inclusion (United Nations Association of New Zealand)
Join students, academics, community organisations, diplomats, and members of the public to explore both the global refugee landscape and practical pathways towards durable solutions.
When: Wednesday 24 June, 5.30pm to 7pm.
Where: Rutherfurd House, Victoria University of Wellington.
Register for this event here.
South and East Auckland Community Network Meeting (Citizens Advice Bureau)
This is a networking session for community and not-for-profit organisations to share ideas, better collaborate and raise awareness of the work they do in the community.
When: Thursday 28 July, 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
Register: settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz
Media
Budget 2026: Support for increased resources to combat exploitation (RNZ)
Some in the Indian community have rallied behind news that $18 million will be set aside over the next four years to counter migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance under this year’s budget.
Read more here.
Social cohesion means different things to Clark and Luxon, both flawed (Newsroom)
The language we use to make sense of social worlds is invariably couched in metaphor. Yet metaphor is rarely innocent and can shroud things in political debate – as does the term ‘social cohesion’.
Read more here.
Country Life: How Filipino farmers are supporting NZ’s rural towns (NZ Herald)
More than 3000 people travelled to Ashburton for The Filipino South Island Games, an annual three-day multisport tournament.
Read more here.
Frank Film - South Island Stories Episode 3: Fatima: A refugee’s journey (NZ Herald)
Fatima was just 19 years old when the Taliban swept through her country; she shares her journey of resettlement from Afghanistan to Aotearoa.
Read more here.
How the Belfast attack played into the hands of Britain’s far right (RNZ)
The Belfast incident also comes as shock and anger over another vicious stabbing is still raw and, while different, the attacks have both sparked debates about immigration and asylum.
Read more here.
Moral refuge: you can believe in border control yet protect those fleeing to safety. So what is our ethical obligation to refugees? (Aeon)
There are currently 43.7 million refugees worldwide. These are people who have been forced to flee their home countries due to severe threats to their lives, human rights and basic needs. Yet, having fled in search of safety, they have not always found it.
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