Migrant Experiences in the time of COVID
Survey Report 2020
Amplifying migrant voices
Amplifying voices of our marginalised communities enables diverse perspectives and experiences to be heard and therefore help shape our understanding of issues and solutions that are truly transformative and regenerative.
COVID-19 offered a pressing opportunity for Belong Aotearoa to further look at the plight of newcomer communities and amplify their voices. A first phase of our wider research, this report covers the findings from a “COVID-19 Impact on Migrant Communities in New Zealand Survey” we undertook in September 2020. It focuses on the responses of 160 people born overseas and currently living in Auckland, including recent migrants, sharing their lived experiences in the time of COVID.
Our Research Framework
This research is underpinned by our five principles of practice, namely, Empowerment, Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, Courageous Disruption and Collaborative Impact. Guided by these principles, this research has been designed not only for data collection and information gathering from communities but more importantly for providing a platform for voicing experiences and drawing on evidence for transformative action and engagement in the context of a pandemic.
Designed as action research unfolding in a landscape that is rapidly and radically changing, the broader study aims to produce community-based knowledge that will inform policy and improve practice by being collaborative and agile. The research is shaped by what we call the A.C.T. (Analysing [Ruminating], Communicating, Transforming) Framework, a process of connecting with people, collecting information, counterchecking, communicating and collaborating with communities for positive change.
Snapshot of Respondents
Age groups 60-69, 70-79 and 80-89 make up 3% of respondents.
The Four ‘R’s
Whole-of-Society Approach
This approach recognises the interdependency of systems and shifts towards solutions that involve everyone, not just those that hold power. It’s about having the discussions that recognise diversity as a strength and harness the interlocked experiences and collective impact individuals, communities, organisations and governments have.
