Sector Update - 14 November 2024
Kia ora koutou,
I’m delighted to join you as the new Chief Executive of Belong Aotearoa and want to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who have come before me. It’s truly an honour to step into a role shaped by the dedication of co-leaders Malu and Gary, the Board, and all those who have steered Belong’s waka forward.
In Aotearoa, working towards a truly diverse and inclusive community means grounding ourselves in Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Honouring this foundation is essential to our mission at Belong to drive transformational change and foster belonging and well-being among former refugee and migrant communities.
Te Tiriti connects us as tau iwi, giving us a sense of belonging so that everyone can feel at home in Aotearoa. With this gift of belonging also comes responsibility - we must honour our obligations under Te Tiriti and dismantle the historical and ongoing inequities that perpetuate marginalisation. This commitment calls us to challenge dominant narratives that oppress, and to celebrate the collective uniqueness that each of us brings to our societal mosaic on this whenua. The national Toitū Te Tiriti hīkoi, for example, is a powerful reflection of what is possible when diverse voices come together to uphold Te Tiriti and all that it represents for Aotearoa.
Since stepping into this role, I’ve had the privilege of visiting our Safari playgroups, meeting staff, volunteers, parents, and tamariki, and witnessing the incredible energy and impact happening every day. It’s inspiring to see the Belong vision come to life, and I look forward to exploring even more ways our programmes make a difference in our communities.
Building connections with everyone involved in Belong - from sector partners to our dedicated supporters - is something I’m particularly excited about. I’m eager to listen, learn, and engage with you all to deepen my understanding of our shared goals and aspirations for the sector.
I’d also like to invite you to join us at our upcoming Annual Public Meeting on 28 November - more information below. It will be a wonderful opportunity to connect, reflect on our progress, and look toward the future together.
I’m excited about what lies ahead for Belong, and I look forward to meeting many of you soon.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
Study visas for foreign workers' children nearly double since pre-pandemic levels (RNZ, 10 November)
Immigration New Zealand granted study visas to a record 19,860 children of foreign workers in the past financial year.
Immigration infringements: Dozens of employers placed on stand-down list (RNZ, 6 November)
More than 50 employers have been fined since an immigration infringement scheme was introduced in April, to deal with offences such as employing people without a visa. Companies are automatically added to the immigration stand-down list, usually for 6-12 months.
Migrants promised fake job no longer eligible for exploitation protection visa (RNZ, 30 October)
A newly-released Cabinet document shows migrants who have been defrauded with a fake job offer will no longer be eligible for a Migrant Exploitation Protection Visa.
EVENTS
Organise for Te Tiriti (Te Ohu Tamaki)
This event is an opportunity to demonstrate people power for Te Tiriti and against the Treaty Principles Bill which sets out to undermine it.
Tuesday, 19 November, 6:30pm - 8pm, St Matthew-in-the-City, Auckland.
For more details see here.
Wāhine business panel (Ellen Melville Centre and the Renew Room Crew)
This free workshop is for emerging wāhine toa in the business space. Come along to learn how to market what it is that you do, gain confidence, skills and networks to support the sustainability of your business or craft.
Thursday, 21 November, 6pm - 8pm, Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland.
Email claire@therenewroom.co.nz to secure a workshop spot.
Refugee Alliance Advocacy Workshops (Refugee Alliance)
The Refugee Alliance invites its members, former refugee communities, and sector partners to their upcoming Advocacy Workshops across the country. See contact details by location below for more information and to RSVP.
Auckland – Saturday, 23 November 2024 (Supported by HOPE Worldwide)
Contact: Dr. Khurram Malik | Email: hopeworldwide@xtra.co.nzHamilton – Monday, 25 November 2024 (Supported by Inclusive Aotearoa and VA’A Collective)
Contact: Atarau | Email: atarau@inclusiveaotearoa.nz
Contact: Lautalie | Email: lautalie@vaacollective.comWellington – Saturday, 23 November 2024 (Supported by HOST International)
Contact: Birgit Grafarend | Email: Birgit.Grafarend@hostint.orgInvercargill – Saturday, 30 November 2024 (Supported by MAR Colombia)
Contact: Andrea | Email: mar_colombia@outlook.com
Free Immigration Workshop: Trafficking Victim Work & Resident Visas (Migrant Action Trust)
This workshop offers a safe, supportive session for those who have experienced exploitation or unfair treatment as a migrant worker in Aotearoa, on how to apply for Trafficking Victim Work and Resident Visas.
Friday, November 22, 6:30pm - 8pm, Zoom.
Register here.
Annual Public Meeting (Belong Aotearoa)
Join us for our Annual Public Meeting as we reflect on the last year, the connections we have made, and our aspirations moving forward.
Thursday, 28 November, 6pm - 8pm (Registrations from 5:30pm), First floor, 25 Union Street, Auckland (Auckland Chinese Presbyterian Church).
RSVP by 22 Nov for catering purposes here.
For more info contact info@belong.org.nz
Multicultural Connect, Coffee and Walk for Islamophobia Awareness Month (Hend Zaki Consulting)
This walk for Islamophobia Awareness Month is an opportunity for Muslim and non Muslim sisters to connect, have coffee and enjoy a walk together.
Saturday, 30 November, 11am, Cornwall Park Cafe, Epsom, Auckland.
To register email rahma@hzconsulting.co.nz
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Library Wellbeing Outcomes/Community Impact Survey (Public Libraries of New Zealand)
This national survey (the first of its kind in Aotearoa) aims to measure public libraries' impact on library users' well-being. This data will help form an evidence based picture of the work libraries do, and the valuable contribution libraries make to the well-being of our communities across Aotearoa.
The survey is open until Friday, 22 November.
Fill out the survey here.