Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 13 August 2026
Kia ora e te whānau,
There has been plenty of talk about belonging in the news lately, particularly in the wake of the “go home to your country” comment in Parliament. We know this kind of discourse hurts, in all sorts of ways, and we know that experiences of exclusion, racism, and not belonging can have a real impact on people’s wellbeing. To those communities who have felt hurt, targeted, or unsettled by what has been said in recent weeks, we send our aroha. And we know that understanding what is happening for people means listening to what they are experiencing and telling us. That is why we are encouraging people from migrant and refugee backgrounds to take part in AUT’s online wellbeing survey. We have a good number of responses already, but more are needed. If you are aged 18 or over, of migrant or refugee background, and have been living in Aotearoa for more than six months, please complete the survey, and share it with your friends, whānau and networks. It is available in nine languages, and every response helps build a stronger picture of wellbeing in our communities.
One of the things that really stood out at the Belonging and Social Cohesion Kōrero we hosted on Tuesday was the sheer number of women doing the work of building belonging, connection and social justice, and the deep intergenerational motivations behind it. That sense of working not just for ourselves, but for those who came before and those who come after, is powerful. It also reinforced why we have been working for some time on an opportunity to bring together Māori women’s leadership and the leadership journeys of women from migrant or refugee backgrounds. We would love you to be part of this intercultural leadership programme, led by the incomparable Ziena Jalil and Kaye-Maree Dunn and fully funded by the Clare Foundation - so you can take part without having to splurge on the experience yourself! The programme will bring women together across cultures and leadership journeys, culminating in time together at Waitangi in February. Spaces are limited, so please connect if this sounds like you. Whether you’re an aspiring, emerging or experienced leader, we would love to hear from you!
Angela Wilton and Michael Phillips (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tama-te-Rā, Te Kawerau-a-Maki, Ngāpuhi), opening last Tuesday’s Social Cohesion Kōrero.
Mauri ora,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
Belong Aotearoa’s Social Cohesion Kōrero
I am a daughter of a 6000 years’ old land and now raised on another.
I am Arabic on my mother’s tongue and English in the life I learned to build.
I am a mother, a teacher, a nurse.
But I am more than the names beside my name.
I am the prayers whispered when no one is listening.
I am still learning, still healing, and still becoming.
Who I am is still not a finished story,
but a woman still being written.
- By Manarah Eraki
This poem, written in under 10 minutes by one of the participants at this week’s Belonging and Social Cohesion Kōrero in Tāmaki Makaurau, captures something of what the day was about: the many layers of who we are, the stories we carry, and the stories still being written. The room was packed with those curious and keen to engage in the kōrero. We were expertly led through the day by the very amazing Michael Phillips (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Tama-te-Rā, Te Kawerau-a-Maki, Ngāpuhi), heard an evidence-rich keynote from economist Shamubeel Eaqub, and were challenged and inspired by fabulous facilitators in the break-out sessions which explored the capitals of belonging, poetry as a way of expressing who we are, and the power of storytelling. And there were so many stories to be told, including Mixit’s own interpretation of conflict, discord and unity expressed through a dynamic presentation. The feedback so far has been fabulous: a rich mixture of evidence and insights, emotions and experiences, reunions and new connections. A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to the day, and to the fabulous Belong Aotearoa team who made it all happen.
Economist Shamubeel Eaqub reflecting on social cohesion research.
In Case You Missed It
Chronological selection process for Parent Resident Visa confirmed
Currently, expressions of interest are randomly selected every three months by ballot, leaving many applicants waiting in limbo.
Read more here.
‘Why not us too?’ Iranian Kiwis ask Govt for special visas to reunite families
Members of the Iranian community presenting their case to Parliament have cited the visa offered up to Ukrainians following Russia’s 2022 invasion, saying they deserve equal treatment.
Read 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
Migrant Women's Self-Defence
A free and fun supportive workshop for migrant women (16+) to learn and practice mental, verbal and physical techniques. (light kai/lunch included).
When: 16 August 2026, from 9:30am to 4:30pm
Where: 4 Warnock St, Grey Lynn
Learn more here.
Teaching Literacy & Numeracy, & Navigating through Mental Wellbeing for Migrant Parents
This is a Free 2-in-1 Workshop designed for migrant parents who are new to New Zealand and would like to better understand how to support their children's learning, wellbeing, and success at school.
When: 19 August 2026, from 10:00am to 1:00pm
Where: Freyberg Room, Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall
Register here.
Understanding Ethnic Rainbow Experiences: From History to Safer Practice
SAMER+ Collective invites you to Join a special FREE 90-minute learning session exploring the experiences of ethnic rainbow communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
When: 1 September 2026, from 10.00am to 11.30am
Where: Theatre Room, Nathan Homestead
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.
When: From 28 August 2026 until 7 February 2027
Where: This program will be held in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Waitangi, across three residential weekends. All sessions online and in-person are compulsory.
Media
How 'one of a kind' Auckland book store became a community hub
What started as a mother's search for books that reflected her family has grown into a rare Islamic bookshop, creating a space for friendships, learning and belonging.
Read more here.
Police Commissioner adviser criticises Police Minister Mark Mitchell in open letter over Rakesh Naidoo controversy
Police Commissioner adviser criticises Police Minister Mark Mitchell in open letter over Rakesh Naidoo controversy.
More migrants or more babies? How to address our population problems. The Economy of Everything
New Zealand’s ageing population threatens long-term economic stability. Despite current high youth unemployment, future economic health will rely on young workers to fund healthcare and pensions.
Read more here.
Senior NZ First youth figure linked to neo-Nazi group
Senior NZ First youth figure linked to neo-Nazi group (paywalled).
Read more here.
New Zealand-born Asians suffering poorer mental health outcomes, survey says
'With jobless figures rising to their highest level in nearly 11 years, migrants say the lack of support and isolation makes unemployment especially challenging.
Read more here.
'Struggling in silence': Unique circumstances hampering migrant employment prospects amid tough job market
A new report finds that the mental health of Asian New Zealanders has improved slightly, but their level of stress remained high.
Read more here.
Immigration Has Lost Social Licence
Some politicians are using immigration to stir up controversy, but they are also pointing out real concerns people have today.
Read more here.
Out Loud: If New Zealand wants migrants to belong, it must allow them to belong
Some politicians speak about social cohesion. Others say migrants must integrate, assimilate, share New Zealand values or become part of the national community.
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 Tea
