Sector Update - 27 January 2025
Kia ora koutou,
As we step into 2025, it's clear we are navigating through significant changes both here in Aotearoa and globally.
The overwhelming response to the Treaty Principles Bill has been heartening, with record numbers of New Zealanders making their voices heard. At Belong Aotearoa, we stand by our position that Aotearoa, in all its diversity, must be built on Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Also, the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas marks a crucial step toward ending 15 months of devastating conflict. We continue to advocate for lasting peace, significant humanitarian aid, diplomatic solutions, and emergency humanitarian visas for Palestinians in Gaza with family ties to Aotearoa. Compassion, action, and hope are critical.
Having just returned from time with family in Canada over the holiday break, I was struck by the level of concern over the political uncertainty of another Trump administration, particularly its potential impact on immigration policies, diversity and social cohesion, global economic stability, and geopolitical tensions. In our interconnected world, we recognise that what happens overseas can have a direct impact on us here and Belong will be looking for opportunities to make a meaningful difference.
In Aotearoa, last week's Cabinet reshuffle has brought changes closer to home, including welcoming Mark Mitchell as our new Minister for Ethnic Communities. We had made good progress building a relationship with former Minister Melissa Lee, and we wish her well. We look forward to learning more about Minister Mitchell and introducing him to Belong's insights, knowledge, and policy positions.
Our fantastic team at Belong is navigating all of these changes and what they mean for diverse communities and our mahi. Despite the external uncertainties, our team is looking to the future, and I'm excited to work with them to strengthen the work of Belong in the year ahead. This year we will also be celebrating our 20th anniversary, so stay tuned for moments of reflection, celebration, and collective action.
I’m particularly looking forward to traveling around the motu to meet more of you in the coming months. As we ramp up for 2025, I encourage you to reach out. Together, we can continue shaping a more connected Aotearoa where everyone, in all our diversity, feels a sense of belonging.
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
Immigration boom sees India overtake UK as NZ’s top work visa source (BusinessDesk, 21 January)
New Zealand has been experiencing a post-covid immigration boom, with India now New Zealand's top work visa source.
Podcast to inform potential migrants (Otago Daily Times, 19 January)
The Calvary Church in Wānaka is home to the Brazilian community, and has opened a Wānaka division to help Brazilians acclimatise to their new life in Wānaka, including a podcast series on moving to New Zealand.
Immigration adviser's poor communication a factor in scam, tribunal says (RNZ, 7 January)
A disciplinary tribunal found an immigration adviser who failed to communicate with his client unwittingly facilitated a migration scam.
'Cold violence' – a hidden form of elder abuse in New Zealand's Chinese community (RNZ, 8 January)
A recent study explores a poorly understood form of elder abuse known as "cold violence" within the Chinese community in Aotearoa New Zealand.
EVENTS
Puketāpapa Open Day (Wesley Community Centre and Roskill Youth Zone)
Wesley Community Centre encourages people living in Puketāpapa and neighbouring areas to visit and learn about the services, local champions, programmes, and activities available to residents, newcomers, and their whānau.
Saturday 1 February, 10am - 2pm, Wesley Community Centre and Roskill Youth Zone, 740 Sandringham Road Extension, Mt Roskill, Auckland.
For more details see here.
FREE Online IELTS General Classes (Migrant Action Trust)
Migrant Action Trust is offering free online IELTS general classes focused on speaking, writing, and grammar.
Wednesdays and Thursdays (2 classes per week for 8 weeks), 12 February 2024 to 2 April 2024, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, online.
For more details and to register, see here.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi Workshop (Tangata Tiriti - Treaty People)
This workshop aims to provide simple and accurate information about Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi.
Saturday 15 February, 9:15am - 4:30pm, Tarapunga Room, Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road Extension, Mt Roskill, Auckland.
Register here.
FREE Job Search Workshop: Navigating NZ Job Market & Crafting CVs and Cover Letters (Migrant Action Trust)
Join this session to receive expert tips and personalised guidance on crafting a Kiwi-style CV and cover letter.
Tuesday, 18 February, 10am - 12:30pm, Tarapunga Room, Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road Extension, Mt Roskill, Auckland.
Register here.
Chinese New Year celebration (Wesley Community Centre)
Celebrate Chinese New Years with food stalls, crafts, live entertainment and more.
Saturday 22 February, 10am - 2pm, Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road Extension, Mt Roskill, Auckland.
For more details see here.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Elder Abuse Ethnic Hotline (CNSST Foundation)
CNSST Foundation has a dedicated Elder Abuse Ethnic Hotline, 08000 CNSST (08000 26778), open 9am to 5pm, Mondays to Saturdays.
This service is specifically designed to support ethnic seniors living in Auckland who may be experiencing or witnessing family violence, sexual violence, or feeling threatened or harassed. It has registered Social Workers on duty, and is available in Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean and English.
2025 courses open for enrolments (Onehunga High School Adult Learning Centre)
OHS is now ready to take bookings for 2025 adult learning courses. Term 1 night classes begin in the week starting the 10th of February 2025.
See their website for more details here.