Community News and Events
Stay connected with what’s happening in our communities. Here you’ll find updates, opportunities, and events that support belonging, celebrate diversity, and strengthen connections across Aotearoa. These updates are also shared in our newsletter — sign up to stay informed and never miss out.
Episode 12 #PassTheMic: Ethnic urban planning and social justice for minorities
This conversation is with Marie Ysabel Landingin was born in Manila, raised in Auckland and currently works on major infrastructure projects at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Marie is a 'third culture kid' dreaming of equitable and inclusive cities for all. She is a part of the Multi-Ethnic Young Leaders Network and Authenticity Aotearoa. This podcast kicks off by Marie sharing with us what urban planning is and her passion for putting an ethnic lens on it. We talk about identity, her feelings of not doing enough when it comes to being an activist and migrant relationships with tāngata whenua.
Episode 13 #PassTheMic: Culture, faith, food and belonging in the world of sports
Ajaz is a New Zealand cricketer, who plays for none other than Black Caps, representing New Zealand international, for all your cricket fans out there. We will be discussing questions of culture, faith, belonging, and interestingly food and how all of it plays into the field of sports.
Episode 14 #PassTheMic: Closing the pay gap and creating space for migrants and other minorities
This conversation is with Nina Santos, who identifies as a first-generation migrant from the Philippines and is a passionate advocate for ethnic communities, migrant rights and gender equality. Nina has been recognised by the Asian New Zealand Foundation and YWCA as a young person to watch! In this episode, Nina shares with us her work with the “Mind The Gap'' campaign and ethnic pay gap reporting. By the way this conversation is a bit special: it was recorded on my birthday and 15 minutes after Nina tested positive for COVID-19.
Episode 15 #PassTheMic: Tales of being a child refugee, human rights advocacy and Love Is Blind
This interview is with a wonderful, wonderful woman in a dear friend, Kat Eghdamian. She is an Iranian-Kurdish New Zealander and former child refugee. Kat has 6 degrees (which she is a bit embarrassed about) and works as Lead Advisor for Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner. Kat tells many stories about her country of birth, journey to Aotearoa, her parents and her work with migrant exploitation and modern slavery. We end on chatting about Love is Blind and delicious Persian food. Enjoy.
Episode 5 #PassTheMic: Neurodiversity, Korean culture, union work and art
Sun Min Elle Park has a research background in postcolonial theories in racism and is currently a union delegate. In this conversation, we talk about Sun’s upbringing and Korean culture, her research, union work, and Sun’s own recent journey with ADHD and Autism.
Episode 6 #PassTheMic: How the headscarf makes me feel like a bad-ass
Nilofer Faizal recently moved to Auckland and has travelled and lived in India, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Mauritania and Morocco. We talk about Nilofer’s travels, culture, sense of belonging as a Muslim woman, her work with New Zealand Muslim Association and how Nilofer’s headscarf makes her feel empowered.
Episode 7 #PassTheMic: Bringing your cultural identity into career coaching
This conversation is with Andrew Tui. He is a podcaster and a career practitioner who loves coffee and a ukulele jam. In this podcast, we dive deeper into Andrew’s Samoan-Chinese heritage and his connections to faith and the rainbow community. Andrew shares some practical insights and advice that organisations can and should take when it comes to equity, diversity and inclusion, especially around Pacific youth.
Episode 8 #PassTheMic: Queer culture, ethnicity & living your truth
This conversation is with Medulla Oblongata. She is a drag Queen performer, who competed in the first season of House of Drag. Medulla is a non-binary former refugee from the Maldives who lived in Malaysia, before finding their home in Aotearoa New Zealand. We talk about queer culture, living your truth, behind the scenes of NZ drag, and discrimination. Fasten your seat belts, get your cuppa and read on (or listed in).