Sector Update - 19 December 2024
Kia ora koutou,
As we approach the end of 2024, I'm reflecting with deep gratitude on a remarkable year. It has been an honour joining Belong Aotearoa as CEO, building on the foundation laid by my predecessor Rochana Sheward, and the dedication of co-leaders Malu and Gary, and the Board. I especially acknowledge the team’s collaborative efforts under Malu and Gary’s leadership during the first part of the year.
Together, we've achieved significant milestones - from advancing shared priorities with the Refugee Alliance, embracing the power of stories through #PasstheMic, progressing our Kahika: Employment Mentoring Programme to strengthening our systems change work and supporting families through our Auckland Safari Playgroups.
The dedication shown across our sector in making Aotearoa a place of true belonging for migrants and former refugees continues to inspire and humble me. In a world grappling with conflict, war, inequality, and displacement, we remain steadfast in our hope for a future shaped by compassion, equity, dignity, and mutual respect. Together, we can build a world where belonging, understanding, and connection thrive.
Looking ahead to the new year, we are focused on shaping Belong Aotearoa’s future direction and building on our impact. As we move into 2025, we hope to engage with our sector and community partners to gather valuable insights that will inform our focus and enhance our influence on systems change. Your input will be essential in shaping the future of our work.
As we close our office for the holiday period (December 20 - January 5), I wish you all a happy holiday season and hope you are able to rest and reconnect with loved ones. I also want to express my personal thanks for the warm welcome I've received while getting to know our sector over the last two months. I look forward to strengthening these connections and building new collaborative partnerships in 2025.
Ngā mihi nui,
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
New Zealand still processing Syrian refugee applications - Immigration NZ (RNZ, 12 December)
Immigration New Zealand says it has continued the processing of visa applications or refugee and protection claims from Syrian nationals, amid a number of countries announcing they were halting refugee applications for Syrians within a few days of President Bashar al-Assad fall.
For refugees coming to New Zealand, a refuge (RNZ, 11 December)
Aqela Barati and her husband, Mohammad Kazim are staying at the Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre after fleeing Afghanistan.
10 years in a refugee camp, saved by a programme the Government is ‘evaluating’ (The Press, 7 December)
Rahimi and his wife resettled in New Zealand through the Community Refugee Sponsorship program that helps refugees integrate by providing housing, education, and support. Since 2018, over 220 refugees have been aided, but the program's future is uncertain pending government evaluation in 2025.
EVENTS
EOI: Cultural considerations for MELAA People with Co-existing Mental Health and Substance Use Problems (MEELA Advisory Group)
The MELAA Advisory Group is inviting expressions of interest towards contributions to the Te Ariari o te Oranga update which will provide culturally specific considerations for health practitioners who interact with those within the MELAA community with co-existing mental health and substance use problems.
Two virtual workshops will be held:
Saturday 25 January, 11am - 12pm, online
Saturday 15 December, 11am - 12pm, online
Register to one of the workshops here.
Islam, Muslims and Identity Workshops (HZ Consulting)
This workshop is designed for people who want to learn more about Islam. It provides historical background, the current situation of Muslims in New Zealand, the challenges and opportunities existing for them, and how best to support your Muslim staff members, clients, students, and colleagues. It will guide you in identifying practical ways to support Muslims in workplaces, schools, and universities.
Tuesday, 18 February, 12pm - 2pm, online.
For more details and to register, see here.
Te Tiriti Workshop for Ethnic Community Leaders (Tangata Tiriti - Treaty People and Belong Aotearoa)
This workshop is an introductory session designed to inform ethnic community leaders about the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to all communities in Aotearoa. Morning tea and lunch will be provided.
Thursday, 20 February, 9:30 am – 2:30 pm, Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre, Matata (Fern Bird), Auckland.
Register here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Treaty Principles Submission Guide (Action Station)
Submission on the Treaty Principles Bill are open until 7 January. Action Station has created a tool to help you put together a submission step-by-step.
See Action Station's website here for more details on how to make a submission.
Ethnic Evidence report (Ministry for Ethnic Communities)
Ethnic Evidence report brings together in one place evidence on how Ethnic Communities are doing in New Zealand. This report is designed to help the public sector consider Ethnic Communities for government investment, policy development and service delivery intervention.
Read the report here.
Asian Sexual Violence Survivors’ Experiences and Expectations of Support within Schools in New Zealand (University of Auckland)
This study is aimed to investigate Asian sexual violence survivors’ experiences and expectations of support from schools, to identify social, cultural, and systemic barriers preventing these survivors from accessing support and to explore new insights gained through arts-based research methods regarding the support of young Asian people affected by sexual violence.
Read the research here.
Seeking Operations Leader (The Mixit Charitable Trust)
Are you interested in a role in an arts organisation that uses the power of creativity to make real change for young people? Then this is an exciting opportunity to join a small, dynamic and enthusiastic team working with former refugee and migrant youth, with the HQ being based in New Lynn.
Find out more here.