Sector Update - 20 February 2025
Kia ora koutou,
As the summer days slowly draw to a close, I have been energised by all the great mahi and connections happening across the sector. So far February has been a whirlwind of collaboration, shared purpose, and a whole lot of inspiring people working together in support of those from refugee-background and migrant communities.
We kicked off the year with the return of our Safari Multicultural Playgroups, now running in six locations across Tāmaki Makaurau. What better way to start than with a Waitangi Day celebration, introducing our newest families to this significant day in Aotearoa's history and its ongoing meaning for us all. These playgroups are a fabulous way to connect—helping mothers build friendships, share stories, and find support, while their little ones learn and grow through play.
Meanwhile, Malu and I joined the Te Ohu Leaders Retreat, where a number from the non-profit sector came together to tackle shared issues—housing, period poverty, honouring Te Tiriti, healthcare and decent work. It was a rare chance to pause, reflect, and discuss ways in which we can collectively drive change. It’s both challenging and enriching work.
Another highlight was the Working to End Racial Oppression Conference 2025, where we dove deep into the hard conversations about systemic racism—both the obvious and the insidious. It was heartening to see so many colleagues – academics, activists, practitioners – from across the motu, and the globe. The keynotes and breakout sessions were thought-provoking, many unpacking the legacies of colonialism—not just in the big-picture sense, but in the ways they weave into our daily lives, including within and across our own communities.
Most recently, the violent disruption to Auckland Pride has been a stark reminder that the work of inclusion and acceptance is far from over. At Belong, we stand firmly with our rainbow and takatāpui whānau, and we remain committed to ensuring that our community spaces are safe, welcoming, and unapologetically inclusive for all.
On the whole, it has been a busy month of learning, connecting, and gearing up for what’s next. The energy from all these events has me looking forward to 2025 with hope as we continue working towards a Te Tiriti-centred Aotearoa in which diverse tauiwi feel a sense of belonging.
Ngā mihi nui,
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
‘Aotearoa is my home' - NZ-born teen threatened with deportation remains hopeful after reprieve (RNZ, 18 February)
A New Zealand-born teenager, Daman Kumar, who has been given a temporary reprieve from deportation remains hopeful despite the challenges facing him and his family.
Immigration does not know how many Daman Kumar-like cases there are (RNZ, 18 February)
Immigration authorities say they do not know how many children have been deported because their parents did not have residence when they were born.
What would migration look like if te Tiriti o Waitangi was honoured? (The Spinoff, 5 February)
This op-ed explores the idea of a tino rangatiratanga-based immigration system, and how if immigration were underpinned by manaakitanga, manuhiri would be seen as more than just an economic contribution or cost burden.
EVENTS
Celebrate International Women's Day (Wesley Community Centre)
Join this event to hear inspirational stories from women, celebrate their wins, and connect with new friends. Together, attendees will stand united to advocate for an end to gender-based violence against women, children, and gender-nonconforming people.
Friday, 7 March, 11am-1:30pm, Wesley Community Centre Gymnasium, 740 Sandringham Road Extn., Auckland.
RSVP here.
Cultural Market Day (Mt Albert Library)
As part of their Cultural Market Day celebrating Tāmaki Makaurau’s World of Cultures Festival, Mt Albert Library invites Albert-Eden community organisations to attend and share information about themselves and their services.
Saturday, 29 March, 11:30am-3pm, Mt Albert Library, 84 St Lukes Rd Mt Albert, Auckland.
Email mtalbertlibrary@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz to RSVP a table for your organisation by 14 March.
Free workshop on understanding and responding to sexual harm (Family Action and Waitakere Ethnic Board)
Family Action is offering bespoke education sessions to raise awareness and support our communities with the difficult issue of sexual abuse. These sessions can be for families, carers or agencies wanting to know more.
They are offering two sessions, both held at Family Action Office (Kauri Room), 2/197 Universal Drive, Henderson, Auckland.
Saturday, 5 April, 10am-12pm.
Thursday, 17 April, 2pm-4pm
Email michellec@familyaction.org.nz to RSVP.
Networking meeting for community and not for profit organisations (Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga)
Citizens Advice Bureau Pakuranga invites community and not for profit organisations in South and East Auckland for a networking session.
Friday, 11 April, 1:30pm-2:30pm, Te Tuhi , 21 William Roberts Road, Pakuranga, Auckland.
Email Vani Kapoor, Community Services Coordinator at settlement.pakuranga@cab.org.nz to RSVP.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Invitation to join community hui on understanding of family violence and sexual violence from the perspective of African migrant and former refugee communities (FVSV Research Team)
This project is seeking participants (aged 16 years or over) who self-identify as an African migrant or former refugee in Aotearoa New Zealand and are willing to share their understanding of family violence and/or sexual violence in a community hui. The aim of this project is to inform evidence-based, effective interventions and strategies and realistically contribute to the national goal of eliminating family violence and sexual violence in Aotearoa New Zealand
To learn more about this project and to register your participation visit this link.
Online Survey Investigating occupational health, safety, and well-being outcomes among hospitality industry workers (Massey University)
Massey University invites hospitality industry workers to participate in an anonymous online survey designed to take approximately 10 minutes, to help better understand the health, safety, and well-being of workers in the hospitality sector.
Participants will have the chance to enter a draw to win one of 50 vouchers, each valued at $50.
Complete the survey here.