With New Zealand’s 2026 General Election approaching, Shakti is set to bring together political representatives, members of ethnic communities and the wider public for a cross-party discussion on immigration, social cohesion and the future of ethnic communities in Aotearoa.
The event, titled “Can We Call Aotearoa Home?”, will take place on Saturday, October 17, from 2pm to 4pm at Te Manawa in Westgate, Auckland. It will provide an opportunity for community members to hear directly from political representatives and raise questions about immigration policy and the issues affecting ethnic communities.
The panel comes as immigration and social cohesion are expected to remain important topics in the lead-up to the November 7 election, with concerns about how political narratives around immigration could affect communities and contribute to division.
“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 representatives from parties across the political spectrum to take part in the discussion. The invited panellists include Immigration Minister Hon. Erica Stanford from the National Party, Associate Immigration Minister Hon. Casey Costello from NZ First, Labour immigration spokesperson Hon. Phil Twyford, Te Pati Māori Wahine Co-Leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, ACT immigration spokesperson Dr Parmjeet Parmar, Green Party immigration spokesperson Ricardo Menéndez March and Opportunity Party leader Qiulae Wong.
Shakti said the event is particularly timely amid heightened political debate over immigration and concerns about narratives that could contribute to racism, xenophobia or division within communities.
The event will also provide practical information for people wanting to participate in the democratic process. Information booths will be available, while those who have not yet enrolled to vote will have an opportunity to do so.
The Electoral Commission has said the final day to enrol for the 2026 election is October 25, with advance voting scheduled to begin on October 26.
For people unable to attend in person, the discussion will also be livestreamed.
“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, with light refreshments also available.
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