Sector Update - 3 April 2025

Kia ora koutou,

As news continues to emerge about the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, our thoughts are with our Myanmar whānau across Aotearoa. The distress of not being able to reach loved ones, worrying about their safety and feeling helpless are heavy burdens to bear. In times like these, connection and community are vital. At Belong Aotearoa, we recognise the emotional toll and the need to work together to support affected communities through this challenging time.
 
These events also underscore the importance of strong advocacy and engaging with those in positions of power to uphold democratic principles and human rights. Malu and I met with Dr. Melissa Derby, the Race Relations Commissioner, on Friday 21 March and discussed a range of issues connected to overcoming social fragmentation and building social cohesion. Maintaining engagement with those appointed to key roles is critical to addressing systemic barriers to belonging. 

The need for connection was also a focus at the Ethnic Leaders Network Meeting on 21 March, hosted by Belong Aotearoa’s own Nadir as part of the Tūhonohono Project. The event centred on race relations in Aotearoa and ethnic community participation in the 2025 Auckland elections. Participants heard from Dr Derby and Elodie Fontaine, Auckland Council Elections Programme Manager, who shared insights on the barriers ethnic communities face in engaging with political processes.
 
One comment that stood out was from a participant who, despite living in Aotearoa for over 20 years, never fully understood how our electoral system works. This highlights the ongoing need to ensure all communities can participate in decisions that affect them. We will keep building on this momentum, working with ethnic leaders to promote more inclusive civic engagement through leadership sessions and outreach.
 
Whether standing in solidarity during crises or advocating for systemic change, it is clear: equity and belonging require action. We remain dedicated to ensuring all communities in Aotearoa are seen, heard and valued.
 
As Eid al-Fitr concludes, we extend warm wishes to all who have been celebrating. May this special time have brought joy, peace, and meaningful connections with loved ones. Eid Mubarak to our Muslim communities.

 Angela Wilton
CEO

Belong Aotearoa 

MEDIA
New Zealand deepens education ties with India (RNZ, 27 March)

  • Several education initiatives were announced during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's recent trip to India, including the ratification of a refreshed cooperation arrangement between the Ministry of Education and its Indian counterpart.

INZ introducing automated decision-making in $336m overhaul (RNZ, 26 March)

  • Decisions to approve visas will be automated under the government's plan to modernise online systems and do away with paper forms. Decisions to reject applications will continue to be taken by staff.

Dunedin skateboarder’s free lessons for new migrants (RNZ, 24 March)

  • A Dunedin local who has been giving free skateboarding lessons to the city's new migrants is hoping to encourage even more people into the sport by opening up to the wider community.

 

EVENTS 

Launch of the International Refugee Integration and Settlement Exchange (IRISE) 

  • The inaugural IRISE Virtual Exchange explores the current contexts into which refugees are arriving and settling in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States. Hear from your peers in other countries and provide input on what IRISE can do to strengthen connections and knowledge-sharing across borders.

  • Wednesday, 9 April, 11am - 12.30pm, online.

  • 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.

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.

  • 29th April 2025, 14th May 2025, 21 May 2025. 9:30am - 1:30pm. 

  • Register here.

Free digital skills workshop series for small businesses (Women Entrepreneurship Centre)

  • WEC is offering a free digital skills workshop for business owners to gain practical digital skills and grow your business and career opportunities.  

  • Saturday, 3 May, 12 - 2:30pm, Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road Extn, Auckland.

  • Register here.

FREE online PTE-Academic Classes for Migrant Workers (Migrant Action Trust)

  • Migrant Action Trust is offering free online classes for all migrant in New Zealand preparing for their PTE Academic tests for AEWV applications. 

  • From 7 May to 25 June, every Wednesday and Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30pm, online. 

  • Registration deadline is 11 April. 

  • For more details and to register see here. 

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT


Kahika employee mentoring programme - men's cohort open (Belong Aotearoa)

  • Belong is seeking Expressions of Interest for men from migrant and former refugee backgrounds living in Auckland, to be part of our Employment Mentoring Programme – Kahika.

  • Kahika is a free programme that provides upskilling and networking opportunities to help you achieve your employment goals covering key topics over 8-weeks such as: CV and Cover letters, interview skills, networking, employment culture, mock Interviews, and more.

  • Find out more and register your interest here.

Project Fiftyone film (Vendetta Films)

  • The film Project Fiftyone is being released in cinemas from this Thursday 3 April. The story of a Kiwi-Afghan couple from Christchurch who raised money after the terror attacks in Christchurch and went back to Afghanistan to fund 51 micro-businesses in honour of the 51 people who were killed in the attacks. It’s a heartfelt story which shows their stories as refugees to New Zealand as well as their journey back to Afghanistan to help others.

  • Watch the trailer on YouTube. 

Chairperson Opportunity (RASNZ)

  • Do you want to make a real impact on refugee mental health and well-being? Are you a strategic leader with governance experience, preferably in the refugee resettlement NGO sector? Refugees as Survivors New Zealand (RASNZ), the primary mental health and wellbeing service for refugee background people living in Aotearoa New Zealand, is seeking an exceptional Chairperson to lead their Board of Trustees and drive their mission forward.

  • See the full job description here.

Consultation for integrative support of young Asian sexual violence survivors (University of Auckland)

  • This study intends to understand the challenges faced by support service providers in helping young Asian sexual violence survivors in Aotearoa New Zealand. This study aims to gather insights to shape a future Strategic Model for Enhanced Health Service Delivery, with the goal of providing better-integrated support for these survivors. Participants will receive a $100 Prezzie Card as a thank you for your time and effort.

  • For more details contact Dr Ying (Ingrid) Wang at i.wang@auckland.ac.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 18 April. 

See more details and apply here. 

China Gonzalez