Belong Aotearoa Sector Update 28 August 2025
Kia ora koutou,
We’re excited to announce the upcoming launch of our Belong Aotearoa Impact Report on 1 September, produced in collaboration with the Centre for Social Innovation. Titled Doing Better Together, the report highlights the urgent need for collective, systemic change to support Aotearoa’s migrant and former refugee communities. With sobering stats, the report is a powerful reminder that goodwill and isolated programmes are not enough. We need coordinated action across government, communities, and the private sector. Our progress must be measured not just in dollars, but in how we uphold human dignity, value diversity, and ensure equitable outcomes. We’re looking forward to sharing this important work with you.
Recently we were proud to attend a Human Rights event hosted by Labour, where our Board Chair and very own Nadir joined a strong lineup of speakers from across the human rights sector. It was inspiring to see such powerful grassroots and policy voices come together to advocate for real change, and to remind those in power, including opposition parties and leaders, of their responsibilities to uphold justice and equity. A quick note to other political parties: we’d love to attend your human rights events too - just send us an invite! Ensuring that the voices of our diverse communities are heard at every level, and in all sorts of spaces, is core to Belong Aotearoa’s mahi.
We note with concern that the Public Service Commissioner is not ruling out absorbing the Ministries for Women and Pacific Peoples into larger agencies in the name of efficiency, a move that risks undermining culturally and gender-appropriate policy and government responses to our diverse communities; we’ll be watching this space closely.
This week we’re saying farewell (kind of) to China González, our incredible Innovations Lead, who is heading to Edinburgh to begin a Master’s degree. We’re so proud of China and the good news is that China will continue to support us remotely a few hours each week.
And speaking of celebrations, Belong Aotearoa’s 20th birthday celebration is fast approaching, and we would love to see you there! Join us on Thursday 16 October from 2pm to 4pm at the Fickling Convention Centre in Tāmaki Makaurau. Please RSVP asap so we can cater for everyone and mark this milestone together in style.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
Chief Executive Officer, Belong Aotearoa
In Case You Missed It
Parent Boost Visitor Visa – Applications Open 29 Sept 2025 (Immigration New Zealand)
Stay in NZ for up to 5 years, with multiple entries.
Must have an eligible sponsor, funds/insurance, meet health requirements, and intend to stay temporarily.
Learn more at Immigration New Zealand webinar on Wednesday 3 September 12.00 pm - 1.00 pm.
To register for the webinar, click here.
Counselling Services Centre / Ngā Whakahaumarutanga o te Hauora in South Auckland is Hiring - Get In Quick
Crisis Response Worker - apply here.
Team Leader – Counselling - apply here.
Social Worker - apply here.
Events
FREE Barista Training (Belong Aotearoa & Wesley Community Centre)
Training opportunity in Barista style coffee making.
When: every Wednesday 8 October to 26 November from 10am - 1pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road, Mount Roskill.
Apply here.
FREE Food Control Plan Training (Belong Aotearoa & Wesley Community Centre)
Join our Food Control Planning and learn the essential knowledge and practical skills necessary to excel in the food industry.
Gain the information and the skills needed to start your own catering business.
When: every Thursday 16 October to 4 December from 10am - 1pm.
Where: Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road, Mount Roskill.
Apply here.
Know Your Rights Workshop - Local Government Elections (Host International & Electoral Commission New Zealand)
Free community workshop where you learn how to register as a voter, your rights and the role of local councils.
When: Thursday 28 August from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
Where: Online on zoom.
Register here.
Bridging the Gaps Between Policy Design and Implementation: Preventing Family and Sexual Violence within Ethnic Communities in Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa Migration Research Network)
A powerful discussion on the role of ethnic communities in shaping responses to family and sexual violence in Aotearoa.
Leaders from Latin American, African, and Southeast Asian communities share grassroots prevention experiences.
Special Feature: Juanita Rojas presents her PhD research on policy gaps and the importance of culturally responsive approaches.
Why Attend: Learn how ethnic communities are creating innovative, community-driven solutions to prevent violence.
When: Friday 5 September from 12pm - 1pm.
Learn more here.
Open Night at the Onehunga High School Adult Learning Centre(Onehunga High School)
Explore lifelong opportunities beyond the school day.
Enjoy complimentary refreshments.
When: Thursday 11 September from 6.30pm - 8.00pm.
Where: TKW Building, Onehunga High School, 24 Pleasant Street.
To learn more, email comed@ohs.school.nz.
Media
Gurdeep’s Election Hoardings Damaged Four Times in Two Days (Radio New Zealand)
Independent candidate Gurdeep Talwar in West Auckland had to replace his election hoardings four times in two days after they were vandalised, prompting a police complaint, and raising concerns of racially motivated targeting.
Read the full story here.
Fewer Migrants Arriving in The Country and More New Zealanders Leaving The Country (Interest)
Fewer migrants are arriving in Aotearoa and more leaving are pushing down migration-driven population growth.
Read the full story here.
Asian People Missing Out on Mental Health Support (Radio New Zealand)
A new report by Asian Family Services highlights a 'silent crisis' in Christchurch where rising rates of depression among Asian communities, driven by language and cultural barriers, stigma, and lack of accessible bilingual mental health professionals, are leaving many underserved despite urgent need.
Read the full story here.