Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 30 July 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
After a week in which misogyny and racism seemed to dominate parts of our political conversation, it was interesting to spend time at the Ministry for Ethnic Communities' roadshow here in Tāmaki Makaurau. There was a sense of change in the air as we heard from the Ministry's new Chief Executive, Pratima Namasivayam. One of my favourite moments was hearing people acknowledge what it meant to see a woman of colour leading the Ministry. It felt like an important counterpoint to the toxicity we have been seeing in public conversations lately. The Ministry outlined its two priorities: data and evidence, and social cohesion – indeed, these are two themes Belong Aotearoa is also focusing on.
Ministry for Ethnic Communities Chief Executive Pratima Namasivayam
We know that good evidence helps shift systems. Research, statistics and lived experience help us understand what is working, what isn't, and what needs to change. That's why we're delighted to have partnered with AUT on multilingual wellbeing research, exploring the experiences of migrant and refugee-background communities across Aotearoa. The survey is completely anonymous and confidential, takes around 45 minutes to complete, and is available in nine different languages (thanks to a huge amount of work behind the scenes).
Evidence, though, is only part of the story. We also need opportunities to come together, hear one another's experiences and strengthen belonging and social cohesion.
That's exactly what we will be doing at our Belonging and Social Cohesion Kōrero on 11 August in Auckland. We're delighted to welcome economist Shamubeel Eaqub as keynote speaker, alongside sessions led by Jay Marlowe, Rachel Tapera and Andrew Melville, and Gauri Nandedkar. We've already had registrations from a number of MPs, community leaders, academics and advocates, and there will also be a performance from the incredible Mixit youth, plenty of kai and, of course, great conversation. We would love to see you there. Tickets are super cheap at only $30 - register here!
Finally, I want to come back to people. This month we've celebrated some wonderful work anniversaries: Nazmin Bhikoo (10 years), Malu Malo-Fuiava (8 years – seen here attending the ARCC AGM this past weekend), Charlotte Gordon (7 years) and Mel Hornby (5 years). I am incredibly grateful to work alongside people who know their why and live it every day. Their commitment and compassion make the evidence possible, create spaces for connection, and turn ideas about belonging into reality.
Malu Malo-Fuiava at the ARCC AGM this past weekend
Because, in the end, everything we do starts and ends with people.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
New residence rules for migrants' parents around the corner
A decision on parent visa reform is delayed until August 2026, as families criticize the unfair ballot system and the costly "Parent Boost" alternative visa.
Read more here.
2026 General Election – Jobs, Enrolment & Support for Our Communities
The Electoral Commission is reaching out to migrant and refugee communities ahead of this year's General Election. They're offering support with enrolment and election information, including info sessions tailored for our community. They're also hiring for over 28,000 roles at voting places, electorate headquarters, and regional offices around the country — a great opportunity to get involved and earn extra income.
More info here.
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
Privacy Rights Workshop
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.
Bonus: Receive a certificate of attendance after the workshop when registered.
When: 30 July 2026, 7.30pm
Where: FREE Online on Microsoft
Building Bridges: Culturally Responsive Support for Migrant Families of Neurodivergent Children
In this webinar session, explore how culturally responsive and psychologically safe approaches can strengthen support for migrant families navigating neurodiversity and disability.
Guest Speaker: Frian Wadia, disability rights advocate, community leader, parent of three neurodivergent young adults, Founder/Chair of the Neuroscience and Trauma Informed Network Aotearoa (NATINA) Charitable Trust, and Early Support Specialist with Autism NZ.
When: 12 August 2026, 7pm
Where: FREE Online
Register here.
The Intercultural Women’s Leadership Collective
Join a collective for migrant and refugee background women, that is co-designed and led by wāhine. Over several months, together with other leaders, sharpen your voice and shape intercultural leadership in Aotearoa.
Where: This program will be held in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Waitangi, across three residential weekends. All sessions online and in-person are compulsory.
Weekly Programmes at Ellen Melville Centre
Explore a range of free programs, no registration required: Mums and Bubs Coffee Club, Conversation Club, Movie Club.
Where: Ellen Melville Centre, Auckland
Learn more here.
Idea to Launch: 8-Week Business Startup Programme
This FREE programme has been designed to support aspiring entrepreneurs and individuals who are interested in starting their own business. Over eight weeks, participants will gain practical knowledge and skills in business planning, branding, marketing, social media, financial management, legal and compliance requirements, and preparing to launch their business.
Where: Online
Limited spaces. Register here.
Media
Oozing pain': Plea for politicians to tackle hate speech
The Law Commission's new hate crime report leaves out hate speech, while community groups warn the two are closely linked, with a hate crime against a Muslim person occurring roughly every 54 hours in NZ.
Read more here.
Shane Jones positions NZ First as 'nationalist', continues swipes at migrants
NZ First deputy leader Shane Jones made pointed comments about immigration, including remarks about Indian migrants, calling for New Zealand to prioritize "our own people" first.
Read more here.
My friends are all leaving NZ. Should I stay or should I go?
A migrant writer reflects on why life in New Zealand can still feel unfulfilling, even after "making it," as more friends and family leave for opportunities overseas.
Read more here.
At a time of harder borders and ‘ruthless’ rhetoric, the Refugee Convention is more important than ever
The 1951 Refugee Convention turns 75 this year, but funding cuts and unfair blame toward refugees are putting real pressure on the protections it provides.
Read more here.
Australia spent more than $9m for each asylum seeker held on Nauru last year – so why can’t they afford to buy food?
Refugees held on Nauru for years while awaiting asylum processing are struggling to get enough food and clean water, despite significant government spending on the program.
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
