Sector Update - 6 February 2025
Kia ora koutou,
This Waitangi Day, we have the chance to reflect on Te Tiriti o Waitangi's significance to Belong's commitment to a more connected Aotearoa.
As a tauiwi organisation, we reaffirm our commitment to honouring Te Tiriti, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a guiding framework that creates pathways for genuine belonging. This commitment entails a responsibility for all tauiwi to actively uphold Te Tiriti, ensuring our actions align with its promises. This is why we proudly partner with Tangata Tiriti – Treaty People, whose education workshops build meaningful relationships between tangata tiriti and Te Tiriti. Later this month, we are working with Tangata Tiriti – Treaty People to deliver an introductory session designed to inform ethnic community leaders and advocates about the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to all communities in Aotearoa, so keep an eye out here, and on our social media for updates.
Globally, we're seeing concerning trends that echo closer to home - from policy shifts in the United States that threaten to unravel progress in diversity and inclusion, to rhetoric that seeks to divide rather than unite communities. These challenges remind us why focusing on strengthening connection is more crucial than ever. A mosaic is only made stronger by its interwoven pieces, not by isolation or uniformity.
As many of us in the sector begin our annual planning, we understand that the current funding landscape is tough, and many of us are feeling the strain. The ongoing search for stable, long-term funding can impact our well-being and sense of security. In these challenging times, it's important to acknowledge these hurdles without losing sight of what truly drives change. Now more than ever, exploring collaborations, building coalitions, engaging with policies, and working collectively are essential. As we gather with whānau and friends this Waitangi Day, let's reaffirm our commitment to fostering equity, celebrating diversity, and cultivating a sense of belonging—because together, we are stronger. If you'd like to connect, please reach out to us at info@belong.org.nz.
Angela Wilton
CEO
Belong Aotearoa
Members of NZ's Latin American community shocked, offended by NZ First MPs' comments (RNZ, 31 January)
Members of New Zealand's Latin American community, including the Mexican Embassy, criticised Shane Jones and Winston Peters for their comments in Parliament.
Fake Immigration NZ letters tell foreign visitors their visa has been denied (NZHerald, 29 January)
Foreigners planning to visit New Zealand have allegedly received hoax Immigration New Zealand letters stating their approved visa has since been denied.
Government reveals plan to allow ‘digital nomads’ to work remotely in NZ (NZHerald, 27 January)
People visiting New Zealand on short stays will be allowed to work remotely for their employers back home under a “digital nomad” scheme launched by the Government.
Record numbers still leaving New Zealand - Stats NZ (RNZ, 23 January)
According to Stats NZ, 127,800 people left the country in the year ended November 2024, offset by the arrival of more than 158,400 immigrants.
EVENTS
Free Te Tiriti o Waitangi Workshop (Tangata Tiriti - Treaty People and Migrant Action Trust)
This workshop aims to provide simple and accurate information about Te Tiriti o Waitangi/The Treaty of Waitangi for all members of the community.
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.
Free Zumba classes for women (Welcoming communities and Puketāpapa Local Board)
Welcoming Communities and the local board are offering free Zumba classes for women.
Every Saturday, February, Roskill Youth Zone, Wesley Community Centre, 740 Sandringham Road Ext, Mt Roskill.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Protect yourself from immigration scams (Immigration New Zealand)
Immigration New Zealand offers information on what scams to watch out for, and how to protect yourself from these scams and visa fraud.
See Immigration New Zealand's website here.