Sector Update - 5 December 2024
Kia ora koutou,
It was an absolute delight to see so many of you at our Annual Public Meeting last week. For those who couldn’t join us, we missed your presence but look forward to reconnecting in 2025.
This year’s theme Connected Threads: Weaving a stronger community together, captured the essence of what we strive for at Belong Aotearoa. Honouring our relationship with Te Tiriti o Waitangi, working together to foster belonging for our newcomer communities, and advancing systems change are all essential threads in creating a more inclusive and equitable Aotearoa.
The evening was beautifully guided by our Deputy Chair Rami Alrudaini, who MCed with warmth and care. We also extend heartfelt thanks to our Chair, Tayyaba Khan, for reflecting on a remarkable year during her address.
While the sector faces significant challenges, we are in a strong position to work collectively to bring about transformational change. At Belong Aotearoa, we remain committed to addressing the systems that perpetuate barriers. We aim to dismantle and reimagine these systems to foster true inclusion and belonging for migrants and former refugees.
A highlight of the evening was Nadir’s Shafaq’s account of his journey as a newcomer to Aotearoa from Afghanistan. His story was a reminder of the richness lived experiences bring to our community. Closing the night, Nadir’s humorous and reflective speech about his personal arrival and connection with Belong Aotearoa as our Community Engagement Advisor left us inspired and engaged.
Finally, a big thank you to our Board, staff, and especially Swati, whose delicious catering was another highlight of the night. Your dedication and contributions ensure Belong Aotearoa continues to be a vibrant thread in the fabric of our community.
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
Kiwifruit labour company, director fined $100k for underpaid workers (1News, 2 December)
A Bay of Plenty kiwifruit labour supply company and its director have been ordered to pay $100,000 in penalties after underpaying three migrant workers tens of thousands over several years.
Migrant dad fears losing his Kiwi family as visa fees almost double (Stuff, 28 November)
A young dad is fighting to stay in New Zealand with his Kiwi family new visa charges, with fees almost doubling for most applications.
Couple’s sewing machine ‘mission’ to help refugees (The Post, 25 November)
A retired couple in Manawatu distribute sewing machines to organisations who support refugee-background communities, including Refugees as Survivors in Auckland and their team of volunteers.
EVENTS
New Zealand Police recruitment event for former refugee communities (New Zealand Police and MBIE)
The New Zealand police welcome former refugees interested in exploring employment opportunities or roles with NZ Police to attend this recruitment event.
Saturday, 7 December, 11am onwards, Te Āhuru Mōwai o Aotearoa - Māngere Refugee Resettlement Centre, 251 Massey Road, Māngere East, Auckland.
Email rsvprefugeepolice@mbie.govt.nz to RSVP.
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
Annual Report 2023-2024 (Belong Aotearoa)
Thank you to everyone who attended our Annual Public Meeting. You can read our Annual Report on our website here.
Partner of a Worker Work Visa (Immigration New Zealand)
As of 2 December, partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders in higher-skilled roles will be eligible for open work rights.
For more details see Immigration New Zealand's website here.