Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 16 July 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
Mānawatia a Matariki! I hope everyone has had the chance to celebrate this special season. Matariki invites us to remember and honour those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki, celebrate and give thanks for what we have in the present, and look ahead with hope and optimism to the promise of a new year. I love how deeply Matariki has become woven into the fabric of Aotearoa, with some very cool celebrations taking place across the motu. At Belong Aotearoa, we know that for diverse tauiwi (non-Māori), feeling at home in Aotearoa is strengthened by sharing in the stories, relationships and traditions that make this place so wonderfully awesome.
Speaking of wonderfully awesome, if you haven't already, please register for our Belonging and Social Cohesion Kōrero on 11 August, here in Tāmaki Makaurau. Alongside hearing from economist Shamubeel Eaqub (a key author of the Social Cohesion in Aotearoa New Zealand 2026 report), we will also explore belonging and social cohesion through cultural, academic and storytelling lenses, with plenty of opportunities to reflect and discuss on what it all means for migrant- and refugee-background communities. We are also delighted that a number of MPs from across the political spectrum are joining the kōrero. Numbers are limited, so if you'd like to be there, please purchase your (very inexpensive) tickets and register soon.
Speaking with Ed O’Driscoll from 1News
Over the past few weeks, I have also had the privilege of connecting with many amazing people and organisations. I was interviewed by TVNZ 1News about the importance of maintaining a strong democratic voice by ensuring migrants who are eligible to vote are able to participate in our democracy. I was also warmly welcomed by the team at Kāhui Tū Kaha and heard more about their mahi across so many communities. We were pleased to welcome ACT MP Parmjeet Parmar to the Belong Aotearoa office, where we discussed everything from early childhood education and supporting diverse families to the impacts of racism, discrimination, and recent pay equity decisions on migrant women. And yesterday, Saajida and I had the pleasure of speaking at a Public Relations Institute of New Zealand event about engaging with diverse audiences and why multiple perspectives are essential to effective communications in an increasingly diverse Aotearoa. Thank you to everyone we have met with recently - we are always grateful for the opportunity to listen, learn and strengthen relationships.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
Refugees left out in the cold as doors slam shut (University of Auckland)
The achievements of the 1951 Refugee Convention and its current challenges in a tense geopolitical climate were discussed at an event at the University of Auckland on 26 June.
Read more here.
Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (New Zealand Immigration)
This is an information session on the changes to the Skilled Migrant Category.
The webinar will talk about why the changes are being made, summary of skilled residence pathways, common questions and live questions and answers.
When: Tuesday 28 July, from 12pm to 12.45pm.
Register for this workshop here.
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 children with a disability in Auckland, New Zealand to share your story about caring for your child and accessing benefits and other supports.
Participants will be required to participate in three interviews and will receive a NZ $30 supermarket voucher for each interview as a contribution for their time.
Parents and students can find more information by contacting the researcher Rosabel Githinji at rgit004@aucklanduni.ac.nz or on 020 430 7382.
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
Everyday AI for Work and Life (NFACT)
This is a beginner friendly programme designed to make AI simple, practical, and easy to use. This workshop focuses on real-life use, such as writing, job searching, learning new skills, brainstorming, and everyday problem-solving, along with understanding how to use AI safely and responsibly.
When: Thursday 30 and Friday 31 July, in the evening.
Where: Online.
Register for this free workshop here.
Introduction to Community Archives Workshop (Auckland Council)
The workshop is for community groups who want to learn how to preserve your own archives; like posters, emails, photographs, and oral histories (that can be recorded with library equipment). With the help of curators, conservators and digital preservation specialists, you will learn what archives are, their formats, born digital archives, how to digitise and preserve them, and more.
When: Friday 6 and Saturday 7 November, from 9am to 12pm.
Where: Central City Library.
Register: barbara.novelli@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Privacy Rights Workshop (HOST International)
This workshop will help you to understand your privacy rights in New Zealand, what organisations can and cannot do with your data, and how to access, correct, or defend your information if a breach occurs.
When: Thursday 30 July, from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Online.
Register for this workshop here.
Ethnic Communities Capability Building Programme: Leading in Communities (ANCAD LiiFT Ethnic Communities)
This introductory workshop is designed for people stepping into leadership roles within communities, cultural groups, faith communities, and grassroots initiatives. Participants will gain practical insights into how communities can work together to influence change and strengthen their impact through collaboration and authentic leadership.
When: Thursday 23 July, from 6.30pm to 7.45pm.
Where: Online.
Register for this workshop here.
Poi Quarterly Networking (Poi Community of Care and Hospice)
Join the Poi team at Hospice West Auckland for their quarterly community networking event.
When: Tuesday 11 August, from 2pm to 4pm.
Where: Waikumete Lounge, 4128 Great North Road, Glen Eden.
Register: poiadmin@hwa.org.nz
Good Governance Code (Community Governance)
This workshop explores integrity and accountability in good governance. Participants will learn what principle looks like in practice, actions boards can take, and a live case study.
When: Wednesday 22 July, from 10am to 1pm.
Where: Online.
Register for this free workshop here.
Media
Fixing our ad hoc, inconsistent refugee rules (RNZ)
In 1951, as the dispossessed of World War II streamed out of Europe, the world agreed on a Refugee Convention. But 75 years later, the world is a different place. We are lurching from crisis to crisis. The world's leader in aid, the US, has pulled up the drawbridge. Refugees have a different face.
Read more here.
NZ First to campaign on ending voting rights for permanent residents (Stuff)
New Zealand First would seek to change the law so that only New Zealand citizens can vote in general and local elections if returned to government, leader Winston Peters has announced.
Read more here.
Large security presence in Auckland, as Modi meets political, community leaders (RNZ)
Modi's visit is the first trip by an Indian prime minister to New Zealand in 40 years. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon welcomed Modi with a guard of honour - and a hug - at Auckland Airport on a brisk Friday evening.
Read more here.
Commissioner calls on politicians to avoid hateful speech (RNZ)
The Race Relations Commissioner is calling on politicians to use their words responsibly and avoid hateful speech.
Read more here.
The political rise and racist backlash facing NZ’s Indian candidates (Newsroom)
Political parties look to the Indian community ahead of the November election – but one academic warns against viewing voters as a ‘monolith’
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