Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 2 July 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
As we enter the period of Matariki, an important time in Aotearoa’s calendar to reflect on the past while looking towards the future, there is much happening in our wider world to reflect on. It feels like a fitting moment to gather in Tāmaki Makaurau for our Belonging and Social Cohesion Kōrero on Tuesday 11 August 2026. Beginning with economist Shamubeel Eaqub sharing the findings from the latest social cohesion research, the day will be an opportunity to listen, reflect, and discuss, exploring perceptions of belonging and social cohesion through the lived experiences and perspectives of migrant- and refugee-background communities. In an election year, when conversations about identity, migration and social cohesion are likely to become louder and more contested, we're creating a space to engage with these issues thoughtfully, alongside others who care deeply about the future of Aotearoa. So, it’s not a conference, but a kōrero, and we would love you to join us! Better still, we've kept tickets deliberately affordable - just $35 for waged and $10 for students / unwaged attendees (including kai) - because we want this conversation to be as accessible as possible. Places are limited, so we'd encourage you to register early!
Speaking of reflections, Te Uru Tangata Centre for Workplace Inclusion has released preliminary findings from its Workplace Inclusion Barometer, which show that while many employees report positive workplace experiences, significant disparities remain across gender, age, ethnicity and disability, indicating that inclusion is not experienced equally. It's an important snapshot of where our workplaces are today – have a look at the results in more detail.
Global Refugee Convention: 75 Years On symposium at the University of Auckland
There are also several developments within Government worth keeping an eye on. Submissions on the (Definitions of Woman and Man) Amendment Bill remain open until 2 July and, for those interested in the wider issues, I recommend Professor Mohan Dutta's thoughtful opinion piece exploring the intersections of gender identity and colonialism, not least because it offers a compelling lens on some of the broader themes in this discussion. In other political updates, we're also pleased to see the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) programme become permanent, although we’re disappointed that it is not positioned as additional to Aotearoa’s annual refugee quota rather than counted within it. It's a missed opportunity to expand Aotearoa's contribution at a time of unprecedented global displacement and growing retreat from refugee obligations internationally, while also building a stronger national culture of manaakitanga and care. As an additional pathway, community sponsorship enables communities to work in partnership with Government to welcome refugee families, complementing (but not replacing) our responsibility to prioritise those most in need.
Meanwhile, Belong Aotearoa has been continuing its work across a range of spaces. We recently attended the Global Refugee Convention: 75 Years On symposium (photo provided) at the University of Auckland, where UNHCR and the University reflected on the past, present and future of the Refugee Convention - a fitting conversation as we remember what has come before us and consider what comes next.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
Research Information with Refugee Caregivers of Children with Disabilities (University of Auckland)
A University of Auckland research study is inviting refugee background parents or legal guardians raising a child with a disability in Auckland, New Zealand to share their story about caring for your child and accessing benefits and other support.
Participants will receive a NZ $30 supermarket voucher for their time and contribution.
Parents and legal guardians can find more information by contacting the researcher Rosabel Githinji 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
PassTheMic Hui: Help Shape What Stories Get Told Next (Belong Aotearoa)
Attendees will help shape the next iteration of a community led media campaign to promote inclusion of people from migrant and former refugee backgrounds through storytelling.
When: Saturday 25 July, 9.30am to 12.30pm.
Where: Dominion Road School Hall.
Register: saajida@belong.org.nz
Making Our Mark 2 - A Matariki Gathering of Queer Connection, Creativity & Kai (Ethnic Rainbow Alliance)
Join this free community-centred Matariki gathering for queer creativity, community, and kai. A welcoming space for all LGBTQIA+ people, allies and accomplices to come together during Matariki, a time for reflection, stories, and looking ahead to the future together. Across the day, the community will gather through a series of relaxed drop-in workshops and activities. Participants are invited to make, stitch, paint, create, and spend time in connection with others at their own pace.
When: Saturday 11 July, from 10am to 8pm.
Where: Central Auckland Location (shared after booking).
Register for this free workshop here.
Ediget Youth Leadership and Skills Development Day (Ediget Mentorship & Hend Zaki Consulting)
Attendees can look forward to workshops on leadership and confidence, vision board, public speaking and a speed mentoring session to support youth in navigating higher education and career pathways.
Open to young professionals aged 16 to early 20s.
When: Saturday 11 July, from 9.30am to 3pm.
Register for this free workshop here.
Puketāpapa 2026 World Refugee Day (Puketāpapa Local Board)
Join this World Refugee Day event to celebrate the resilience, courage and strength of refugee in New Zealand. Attendees can expect community presentations, cultural performances , delicious international food and family activities.
When: Saturday 4 July, from 10.30am to 1pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre.
Register: wrdpuketapapa@gmail.com
Parenting Neurodiversity: Connecting the dots and seeing the big picture (Migrant Neuro-Inclusion Network MINN)
For migrant and ethnic families, navigating a child’s unique needs can often feel isolating or overwhelming. this session will offer practical strategies, clinical insights, and honest reflections on the daily realities of a neurodivergent household.
When: Wednesday 8 July, from 7pm to 8pm.
Where: Online.
Register for this free workshop here.
Media
Refugee and migrant women know their stories best. It’s time we paid attention (Women’sAgenda)
Writing is one of the most powerful tools we have for making sense of our lives, and it is one of the most underused when it comes to supporting refugee and migrant women. These women are heroes, across cultures and timelines, and deserve to tell their stories, uninterrupted.
Read more here.
Mark Mitchell dismisses inflammatory Brian Tamaki video (RNZ)
Ethnic Communities Minister Mark Mitchell has labelled Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki's latest social media comments to "purge" Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims from New Zealand as the "actions of a scared bully".
Read more here.
When you have a name people say is 'too hard' (RNZ)
Ever felt pressured to pick up a nickname because people say your name is "too hard"? Or perhaps you've become used to people and online forms removing special characters?
Read more here.
NZ’s stopgap approach to refugees leaves too many behind (Newsroom)
With conflict, disasters and climate-related crises on the rise, more than 117 million people were forcibly displaced from their homes last year. A very small number of these individuals will eventually arrive in New Zealand through existing humanitarian pathways, but a vast majority remain in a state of limbo for years, if not generations.
Read more here.
Students receiving English-language support double in 10 years (RNZ)
The number of students who receive specialist English-language support in New Zealand schools each year has more than doubled over the past decade as migration and population growth reshape classrooms nationwide.
Read more here.
Political candidate files complaint with police over threats (RNZ)
Malkiat Singh, ACT's candidate for the Papakura electorate, said he had been subjected to sustained cyberbullying since his candidacy was announced earlier this month.
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