Belong Sector Update 11 September 2025
Kia ora koutou,
As you may have seen, we launched our Impact Report last week, a retrospective of our mahi over the past three years, written in partnership with the Centre for Social Impact. The report reflects on what has been achieved and the barriers that remain, and it calls for collective action to strengthen belonging for migrant and former refugee communities across Aotearoa. We know this is work no one can do alone, and we value your ongoing partnership in helping to create meaningful change.
At the same time, global events remind us why this mahi is so vital. The increasing frequency of anti-immigration marches overseas, alongside online rhetoric that fuels and spreads xenophobia, shows how important it is to protect and nurture social cohesion and stay true to values of manaakitanga, equity, and fairness. Here in Aotearoa, belonging can’t just be political spin. Across government, business, and civil society, we all need to do our part, through real action and open conversation, to ensure everyone who calls this country home truly feels they belong.
With local elections now ramping up, and through a partnership with Auckland Council, we’ve reached out to all Auckland mayoral candidates to gauge their perspectives on supporting migrant and former refugee communities and fostering belonging for all our diverse communities. We hope to be able to share the responses we get in the coming weeks. We also encourage you to do the same with candidates in your own communities across the motu. Aotearoa is a diverse nation, founded on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and together we can ensure that this diversity is recognised, celebrated, and strengthened at all levels of government.
Finally, a reminder to join us for our 20th anniversary celebration on Thursday 16 October, from 2pm to 4pm at the Fickling Convention Centre in Auckland. Even as we mark two decades of Belong Aotearoa and acknowledge the mahi and progress made in improving migrant and former refugee experiences, we know there is still more work ahead. This milestone is both a celebration and a call to keep pushing for change.
We’re currently locking in some great speakers, and we are thrilled to announce our MC, Sam Low (pictured on the right), who is a 2022 MasterChef NZ winner, cookbook author, and podcast co-host. We look forward to Sam bringing his authenticity and unique perspective as a proud Chinese and queer creative here in Aotearoa. In the spirit of kai as a great connector, we’ll also be sharing some delicious global treats prepared by two of our former WISE Catering women. Join us to celebrate! Register here.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
The Vote Auckland Online Candidate Catalogue is officially live! (Auckland Council)
Use the Vote Auckland online catalogue to see who’s standing in your ward, local board areas, and for Mayor.
Learn about the candidates’ priorities through their short statements, which outline their policies and aspirations for the next three years.
To learn more, click here.
New Business Investor Visa announced (Immigration New Zealand)
The Business Investor Work Visa, launching in November 2025, offers two pathways: a NZD $1 million investment for a 3-year work-to-residence option, or a NZD $2 million investment for a 12-month fast-track to residence.
To learn more, click here.
Events
After School Homework Hub (Wesley Community Centre)
The After School Homework Hub is led by an experienced tutor and kids are provided with a non-judgemental learning space where they can do their homework, revise and practice their exams.
When: every Wednesday, from 4pm to 5.30pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road, Mount Roskill.
Email support@dreamcatchersww.com to register.
Celebrate Moon Festival (Wesley Community Centre,Connected Communities & Roskill Chinese Dance Group)
This is a celebration of togetherness and harmony. Come along and learn Chinese calligraphy, make lanterns and mooncakes, and enjoy singing and dancing. Free kai will also be provided.
When: Saturday 12 September, from 5pm to 7pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road, Mount Roskill.
It’s a free entry, bring your friends and family.
Free session on ‘Dealing With Neighbour Problems’ (Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga)
Facilitated by Auckland Community Law Centre. Topics covered will be - shared driveways, cross lease, fences, trees etc.
When: Friday 19 September, from 10.30am to 12pm.
Where: Pakuranga Library, 7 Aylesbury Street, Pakuranga.
To register: email settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz.
Diwali Celebration (Wesley Community Centre)
There will be cultural performances, delicious food, clothing and jewellery to shop.
When: Saturday 20 September, from 11am to 4pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road, Mount Roskill.
It’s a free entry, bring your friends and family.
Media
Who Defines “Kiwi Values”? (RNZ & Belong Aotearoa)
Winston Peters’ idea that migrants must adopt a set of “Kiwi values” oversimplifies belonging and assumes a single definition of national identity.
Angela (CEO here at Belong) argues true values like manaakitanga, equity, and respect for diversity are already modelled by tangata whenua and guide an inclusive society.
See the full article and Angela’s response here.
How Far-Right Groups Hijacked Australia’s Anti-Immigration Rallies Online (The Conversation)
The recent “March for Australia” anti-immigration protests, though framed by some as grassroots and concerned about infrastructure and cultural change, were co-opted and promoted online by far-right and neo-Nazi groups like the National Socialist Network, who leveraged social media platforms to inject white-supremacist rhetoric and gain visibility and recruitment opportunities.
Property Director Fined $54K for Unsafe Migrant Worker Housing (RNZ)
An Auckland property director was fined $54,000 for illegally converting a Manurewa property into unsafe accommodation for migrant workers, installing 22 cabins without consent and creating serious fire and safety risks.
Read the full story here.
