Sector Update - 17 April 2025
Kia ora koutou,
As ex-Tropical Cyclone Tam sweeps across parts of the motu, bringing fierce winds and stormy skies, I hope that everyone affected is keeping safe. I write this while listening to the gales outside, with fingers crossed that the power stays on! Many of us still carry fresh memories of Cyclone Gabrielle and the Tāmaki floods, times when the sense of unease was matched only by the strength of collective care that emerged in response.
Emergency management, and working together in times of crisis, was one of the key themes raised in a recent speech to the sector by the Minister for Ethnic Communities, Hon Mark Mitchell. His remarks also focused on three other focus areas: economic growth, security and resilience, and social cohesion. While it was good to hear the Minister’s commitment to equity of opportunity, we must also recognise that equity must go beyond access. Structural barriers, such as systems that do not accommodate difference or that don’t work for everyone, continue to prevent too many from fully thriving.
These aren’t theoretical issues. Harmful language and exclusionary rhetoric shape polices, influence public perception, and erode people’s sense of belonging. We’re seeing it now, not only in global spaces but also right here in Aotearoa, within our own communities and institutions.
As we navigate the path ahead, we'll need to continue to work together to ensure the full extent of issues facing diverse ethnic communities are recognised and addressed. These conversations, though sometimes challenging, are vital for creating the change we wish to see and ensuring that access isn't mistaken for outcomes.
While there are plenty of challenges, there have been many bright spots as I've continued to get out and about, discussing our shared mahi with several organisations including Migrant Action Trust, HOST International, RASNZ, researchers from AUT’s Migrant and Refugee Health Research Centre, and Te Ohu. These connections strengthen our collective work and remind me of the power of partnership.
I'm also delighted to share that our Safari South Playgroup has found a wonderful new home in the heart of Ōtāhuhu at the Ōtāhuhu Town Hall Community Centre. It's been a joy to engage with tamariki and whānau in this fresh space. Our Safari Playgroups provide safe, multicultural environments where children learn through play while mothers develop new skills and build community connections.
As we move forward in our work, I'm reminded of how important these spaces are - both the physical spaces where our communities gather and the conversational spaces where change begins.
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
MEDIA
Major changes to NZ visitor visas for Pacific Islanders but opposition MPs say there's more to be done (RNZ, 11 April)
From July, visitors from Pacific Islands Forum countries who apply for a visitor visa to New Zealand may be eligible for a multi-entry visa, allowing them to visit Aotearoa as many times as they want for 24 months.
Mining business fined $27k as figures reveal worst immigration offenders (NZHerald, 10 April)
142 infringement notices were issued to 139 employers in the first year of the Immigration Employment Infringement scheme.
Foreign student numbers back to pre-pandemic levels (RNZ, 8 April)
Universities New Zealand chief executive Chris Whelan said New Zealand's eight universities had about 20,000 full-time equivalent international students, close to pre-pandemic levels.
EVENTS
LISTEN WORKSHOP on Community Wellbeing and the Prevention of Harm (Ethnic Rainbow Alliance)
The Ethnic Rainbow Alliance invites you to be part of a meaningful conversation on how we can support the prevention of harm and build stronger, healthier communities. This half-day workshop will provide valuable insights, practical strategies, and a space to connect with others who care about community wellbeing.
29 April 2025, 14 May 2025, 21 May 2025. 9:30am - 1:30pm.
Register here.
Leadership & Capacity Building for Community Leaders: Media & Fundraising Workshop (Belong Aotearoa)
Join us for a free, one-day interactive workshop to boost your leadership and build your organisation’s capacity. Session one will cover how to represent your community confidently in the media and use strength-based storytelling. Session two is designed to help you discover effective strategies for writing grant proposals, building funder relationships, and diversifying funding sources.
Wednesday, 30 April, 10am - 3pm, Auckland (venue TBC).
Register here. Email nadir@belong.org.nz for any inquires.
Online Launch: Hapori - Systems Change Community Aotearoa (Hapori)
Join the launch of Hapori – Systems Change Community Aotearoa, a new online space designed for changemakers and change champions across Aotearoa to connect, learn and collaborate.
Wednesday, 30 April, 1pm - 2pm, online.
Register here.
Rahma (Compassionate) Leadership Programme (Hend Zaki Consulting)
This 12-week programme is designed for leaders who want their team members to work better together, thrive, and achieve positive outcomes for their team and organisation.
Starting Thursday 1 May 2025 11am to 1pm, (Fortnightly online workshops).
For more details and to register see the HZ consulting website.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Hiring - Fundraising Consultant 15-day contract (Belong Aotearoa)
Belong Aotearoa is looking for a Fundraising Specialist to help us shape a 12-month fundraising strategy that supports meaningful change for migrant and former refugee communities across Aotearoa.
15 contracted days | April–May 2025
Remote or in-person (Auckland-based preferred)
Fixed-term consultancy
See the full Terms of Reference here.
Top apply send your proposal, CV, and two references to support@belong.org.nz.
Non-Residential Fellowship (CAPRS)
CAPRS offers a NRF programme to enable those who have recently completed masters or doctoral research related to forced displacement in the Asia Pacific region to affect change by converting existing research into action-oriented policy projects or papers. Applications close Friday 18 April.
See more details and apply here.