Belong Aotearoa

As we enter 2026, an election year in Aotearoa, our CEO, Angela Wilton reflects on the challenges ahead, from global instability affecting our communities abroad to the continued scapegoating of migrants at home. Despite the frustration and division tactics we're seeing, this year offers an opportunity to keep equity, manaakitanga, and Te Tiriti-centred futures front and centre. Plus updates on poll data showing overwhelming support to curb migrant exploitation, events, and essential resources for our communities.

As we reflect on a year marked by grief, political tension, and deepening division, the idea of “strategic amnesia” has become hard to ignore, the convenient forgetting of history, context, and responsibility. This kind of forgetting enables the normalisation of racism and the dismissal of hard truths, even when evidence, such as the UN CERD report, clearly shows our race relations are deteriorating. As we move toward 2026, the question we must ask is not only what our leaders want us to know, but what they hope we will forget.

This season has been filled with opportunities to gather, learn, and intentionally unlearn. From powerful kōrero on imposter syndrome at our Connect & Thrive event to national hui advocating for refugee voice, family reunification, and equitable services, a clear message emerged: meaningful change begins when we challenge bias, centre lived expertise, and listen deeply.