Cross-party panel discussion on immigration policy and
the future of ethnic communities in Aotearoa New
Zealand.
What does it mean to truly belong in
Aotearoa? And how might the language and narratives around
immigration during an election campaign affect the people
and communities who call New Zealand home?
With the
2026 General Election approaching on 7 November, Shakti is
bringing politicians, members of ethnic communities and all
New Zealanders together for a cross-party panel discussion
on immigration policy, social cohesion and the future of
ethnic communities in Aotearoa.
Can We Call
Aotearoa Home? will be held on Saturday
17 October, from 2–4pm at Te Manawa, Westgate,
Auckland, providing an opportunity for members of
the community to hear directly from political
representatives and ask the questions that matter to
them.
“Immigration policy is not just about numbers,
visas and border settings. It affects families, communities
and people’s sense of whether they are valued and whether
they truly belong,” says Shasha Ali, Strategic Development
Manager.
“As we head towards an election, we want to
create space for an open and respectful conversation about
what kind of Aotearoa we want to build, and to make sure
ethnic communities have an opportunity to put their
questions directly to political
decision-makers.”
Shakti has invited key
spokespersons/leaders from political parties across the
political spectrum:
- Hon. Erica Stanford, Minister
for Immigration, National Party - Hon. Casey Costello,
Associate Minister for Immigration, NZ First - Hon.
Phil Twyford, Spokesperson for Immigration, Labour
Party - Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, Wahine Co-Leader, Te
Pati Maori - Dr. Parmjeet Parmar, Spokesperson for
Immigration, ACT Party - Ricardo Menéndez March,
Spokesperson for Immigration, Green Party - Qiulae
Wong, Leader, Opportunity Party
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Shakti says the
event is particularly timely given the heightened political
discussion around immigration and the potential impact of
narratives that can divide communities or contribute to
racism and xenophobia.
It will also provide practical
opportunities for community members to engage with the
democratic process. Information booths will be available,
and people who have not yet enrolled to vote will be able to
enrol. The Electoral Commission says the
final day to enrol for the 2026 election is 25
October, with advance voting beginning on 26
October.
The event will also be livestreamed for
viewers outside of Auckland.
“Your voice matters.
Your vote matters,” says Shakti. “This is an opportunity
to listen, question and be part of the conversation about
the future of our communities.”
The event is free
and open to everyone. Light refreshments will be
available.
