Sector Update - 28 November 2024
Kia ora koutou,
As my first month with Belong Aotearoa comes to a close, I have appreciated the opportunity to engage with the sector and begin building relationships within our community. I’m especially excited to meet many of you for the first time at our Annual Public Meeting tonight.
Reflecting on connection and unity, I was inspired by the Hīkoi mō te Tiriti and its power in bringing together people from all across the motu to stand up for Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This movement underscores a truth at the heart of Belong Aotearoa’s mission: our mahi to foster inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing for refugee-background and migrant communities is inextricably linked to Te Tiriti. This partnership enables us as tauiwi to call Aotearoa home and offers a shared foundation that gives us a sense of belonging in Aotearoa.
As an organisation that drives transformational change to strengthen inclusion and belonging for refugee-background and migrant communities, we have been following and engaging in conversations about what it means to honour Te Tiriti as migrants. Through these conversations, we have found that there may sometimes be a disconnect between the racism and exclusion that migrants of colour in Aotearoa face, and migrants’ understanding of the history of oppression faced by Māori.
Our mahi over the years, and collaboration with the likes of Tangata Tiriti – Treaty People, has highlighted that we at Belong have a role to play in supporting our newcomer communities to understand the pathways Te Tiriti offers for fostering equity and mutual understanding. It is through this understanding that we can all contribute to an inclusive and connected Aotearoa where everyone can thrive.
Ngā mihi,
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
International students bring post-Covid education bounce (The Post, 25 November)
The popularity of some tertiary education providers in Aotearoa has seen universities approaching pre-Covid numbers for enrolment, with a new poll finding 72% of Kiwis agreed international students benefited the country.
Tracing the history of Indian migration to New Zealand (21 November)
An exhibition titled Asha ka Darwaza (Doorways of Hope) currently on display at Auckland's Mahatma Gandhi Centre is giving visitors a rare opportunity to trace the rich history of New Zealand's Indian community.
More Immigration NZ staff, but work visa services unlikely to speed up (RNZ, 21 November)
Following an increase in visa service fees, 33 new staff have been hired by Immigration NZ. However, work visa service timeframes are unlikely to improve.
'685's to the world:' Restoring Citizenship Bill passes with unanimous support (RNZ, 20 November)
The Citizenship Western Samoa Restoration Amendment Bill passed its third and final reading in New Zealand Parliament, restoring New Zealand citizenship to individuals born in Western Samoa between 13 May 1924 and 1 January 1949.
EVENTS
Annual Public Meeting (Belong Aotearoa)
For those registered for our Annual Public Meeting this evening, the details on when and where to join us are below.
Thursday, 28 November, 6pm - 8pm (Registrations from 5:30pm), First floor, 25 Union Street, Auckland (Auckland Chinese Presbyterian Church).
We will have food and drinks available from 5:30pm.
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
Unity in Harmony: Christmas Choral Festival (Food Tour and More)
This Christmas Festival will include food, arts & crafts, unique gifts, and holiday activities for the family
Saturday, 7 December, 10am - 4pm, Wesley Community Centre, Wesley Community Centre 740 Sandringham Road Extn, Auckland.
Treaty Principles Bill Submission Workshops (NZEI Te Riu Roa)
NZEI Te Riu Roa is hosting workshops on how to draft submissions on the Treaty Principles Bill online and in-person throughout December.
Find a workshop on the NZEI Te Riu Roa website 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.