OUR JOURNEY SO FAR

"Different Faces" Cultural Day - Aug '23

The team of OneAfrica hosted an event called "Different Faces". It was a cultural event. The purpose was to send a message that despite our diversity, we can embrace each other and have a good time together; learning about each other's culture through food, dance, and sharing stories. South Africans, Zambians, Zimbabweans, Indonesians, Maoris, Indians, and Samoans were represented.

Good Deeds Food Donations - Aug' & Sep'21

When NZ went into Alert Level 4 lockdown at 11:59pm on Tuesday 17th August, the OneAfrica Good Deeds team got together to see how we could do our bit to help those in need. We realised that some families would find lockdown tough and understood the mental impact. With the restrictions of lockdown, we had to find creative ways of helping. Thanks to suggestions from Good Deeds team members and generous donations, we were able to purchase over $800 worth of much-needed food items and do contactless drop-off’s in Manurewa and Onehunga. On 30th August, we donated to Waka for Caring in Manurewa, who have been providing warm, healthy meals and much more to the youth and wider community since 2014. On 4th September, we donated to the Community Service Connect Trust in Onehunga, who provide support services and development programmes to the community, food distribution and more. We were pleased to contribute to these amazing organisations and teams who are out there making a positive difference everyday!

Good Deeds Bingo 4 SA - 8th Aug'21

On Saturday 8th August, OneAfrica hosted a bingo evening in aid of the rioting and looting that happened in South Africa in July, with funds raised being donated to support those regions worse affected. As South African expats, we felt we had to make a tangible contribution to help those families who no longer had access to basic food essentials to feed themselves or urgently needed medical supplies. With South Africa already impacted by COVID-19 and recurring lockdowns, the destruction caused by these events only served to compound the challenges already faced by many. The bingo evening was a wonderful success, with fun had by all - including spot prizes, activities to bring on the laughs, and delicious South African food. Thanks to the tremendous support of so many, including our generous sponsors who donated over $1000 worth of prizes, OneAfrica was able to raise enough funds to make an equivalent donation of R10,000 (ZAR) to 'Gift of the Givers Foundation' (a long-standing disaster-response, non-governmental organization in South Africa), who had the means to get these essentials to those who needed it most.

Good Deeds donation - 17th Jul'21

On Saturday 17th July, a cold and wet winter's day, OneAfrica Chairperson, Veronica Turner and Secretary, Andrea Albertyn went to get some supplies for the City Mission and the Salvation Army as part of our GOOD DEEDS initiative. As we had already committed to doing this, the weather was not going to deter us! Veronica said "It made me realize how tough it must be for those living without shelter; in cold and damp homes; without warm, nutritional food; without anything to keep them warm. We are so blessed that we have all of the above. It is at times like these that we need to take a look at how we can make a difference to someone else's life, however small. What might seem small to you can be something major to someone in need. Together we can make a difference. Let us know how we can support you or contact us if you can support us." A big THANK YOU to the members of the GOOD DEEDS team for their generosity and ongoing support in making this donation possible. We want to do more!

Ministry of Ethnic Communities Event - 15th Jul'21

On 15th July, OneAfrica attended an event in celebration of the launch of the new Ministry for Ethnic Communities in Parnell. We heard from the new Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Ethnic Communities - Hon. Priyanca Radhakrishnan and the new Chief Executive of the Ministry of Ethnic Communities - Mervin Singham. "The new ministry will have the leadership, the mana and the visibility that's needed to influence change and decision-making across government to ensure better outcomes for our diverse ethnic communities. " For the first time we have a Chief Executive with a seat at the top table whose sole focus is the lifting the well-being of our communities (as opposed to having other portfolios to look after). We heard how the office has evolved over the years (originally set up 20 years ago), and how in in 2001 ethnic communities made up 8% of the NZ population. Today there are close to one million people from the ethnic community, making up close to 20% of NZ population (with around 548,000 based in Auckland). NZ is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the world! The new Ministry branding was explained - "it represents our communities: unique and powerful together, inclusivity and celebration; it's grounded, solid and strong. It reflects a sense of purpose." "The direction and strategy of the new Ministry have been shaped by the priorities of the communities it serves". We received an overview of the process undertaken to engage communities in the feedback process (including the community consultation attended by OneAfrica in May). Hon. Priyanca also shared the list of initial focus areas and how these will be developed into work programs with tangible steps that will lift the well-being of our ethnic communities.

Burundian Cultural Event - 10th Jul'21

On 10th July, OneAfrica attended a cultural event in Birkdale hosted by the Burundian Association of NZ. What a fantastic event - so educational and vibrant - those drummers and dancers were amazing!
OneAfrica appreciated the opportunity to learn more about the Burundian culture and listen to their story, as presented by Butoyi Dieudonne, the chairperson of the Burundian Association. The were a number of dignatories present and each shared their affiliation with the Burundian community. We heard impactful and inspirational messages from youth leaders, saw a demonstration of how Burundian women welcome and comfort each other, then ended the evening by sharing a delicious meal together before having a few new conversations.

NZ Police Forum - 28th Jun'21

On the 28th June, OneAfrica attended a meeting at Henderson police station, hosted by the NZ Police Ethnics division. Also in attendance was ACOFI and other African community leaders - by our count at least 15 African countries were represented in the room! We were privileged to hear from the District Commander Superintendent Naila Hassan, whose passion and drive was something to witness! The meeting was facilitated by Jessica Phuang, the Ethnic Responsiveness Manager for Auckland, who has an outstanding team behind her. The objective was to begin improving the relationships between the African Community and the NZ Police, with the focus being 'unity in the community' and how the community wish to work with the police. In conclusion, it was agreed that the African community leaders would meet separately and consult with our communities regarding the issues we wish to address with the police; plus how we wish the relationship to progress. In addition, we will plan a strategy on how we can keep this going before arranging a meeting with the police to present our thoughts.

Seniors Communication and Information Day - 19th Jun'21

OneAfrica collaborated with Independent Living Charitable Trust to host a free Communication & Information Day aimed at seniors and people living with disabilities, held at Lloyd Elsmore Netball Centre in Pakuranga on 19th June. The event was attended by the Howick local board member, as well as the service providers below who each had an opportunity to share their roles in providing for the elderly. > St John's Ambulance > Driving Miss Daisy > Acupuncturist & Health Practitioner > Pakuranga Library > NZ registered dietician presented on Nutrition, Immunity and Wellness > MECOSS (Manukau East Council of Social Services) > Age concern > COVID-19 vaccine information update provided > Art therapy with Diamond Dotz > Asian Family Service > Emotional Unlocking Coach presented > Senior Rebounding demonstration and Pilates Veronica, Chairperson of OneAfrica, provided a short overview of our plans for helping our senior community and shared our contact information. There were lucky prize draws and everyone enjoyed some of our favourite South African savoury snacks and sweet treats. There was also time for attendees to speak with each service provider and a good chance for members of OneAfrica to speak directly with the elderly about their needs. The event was a good eye-opener for those of us heading in that direction too. For OneAfrica, this event was the first of more to come and it is our hope that many more will take advantage of this invaluable day in future.
"I was really impressed with the Age Concern, One Africa and Howick Local Board, plus Independent Living meeting at the Pakuranga netball courts centre, Saturday. It started at 2:15pm and ended at 5:30pm. The many stall holders all spoke about their mental and physical help for the over 65-year-old people who don't know it is available for them. After their introductions, the public were able to talk to and try exercise at the stalls. Next time it is held I hope more people attend as it was worth the experience. It was free and fabulous food." Julie McLean (Half Moon Bay)

African Leaders Forum - 19th Jun'21

OneAfrica felt very privileged to be invited to the African Leaders meeting, hosted by ACOFI (African Communities Forum Inc). It was very insightful and informative, with a recurring theme of unity and supporting each other. We heard powerful messages of encouragement fostering cooperation, facing historic challenges and finding better ways of moving forward. OneAfrica Chairperson and Secretary also had an opportunity to add our voice to the key topics discussed. We look forward to working alongside our fellow countrymen as well as everyone from our beautiful African continent.

Social Cohesion Meeting - 26th May'21

OneAfrica attended the Social Cohesion meeting hosted by the NZ Police Ethnic Services. Strong messages that resonated was around the importance of having communities right beside each other, shoulder to shoulder to make a difference in NZ. We are a truly multi-cultural country, evident by the numerous countries represented at this gathering, so there is a real opportunity for social cohesion. Much focus on safety for generations - making communities safer and bringing them together. A key distinction is that they are called the NZ Police Service - not NZ Police Force and the aim is to partner with communities. "We all have come too far not to go further."

Community consultation - 2nd May'21

OneAfrica attended a Community Consultation, presented by the Ministry for Ethnic Communities. It was an opportunity for us and other ethnic communities to voice our recommendations to the Minister for key focus areas and priorities over the next 3-5 years. As part of this, we were asked to envisage what New Zealand would look like in the next few years if these focus areas have eventuated. We met members of the Ministry's office and made good connections with other African communities who have agreed to work together to create thriving, happy communities. OneAfrica is looking forward to being a part of the improvements made by the Ministry.

Collaboration Workshop 10th Apr'21

An invitation for a meet-and-greet was extended by Veronica Turner, Chairperson of OneAfrica, to individuals and groups involved in the African community within NZ. The aim of the gathering was to bring like-minded individuals together in a social setting to explore potentially collaborating to serve a breadth of needs within the Southern African community in NZ. The belief is that, by working together rather than in silos, we can achieve greater success through joint ventures, while providing more opportunities for individuals or groups to gain more exposure for their work. Following the meet-and-greet on 27th March 2021, interested parties were invited to a Strategic Collaboration Workshop, held on 10th April 2021 at the Ormiston Activity Centre in Flat Bush. The workshop, lastly approximately 4hrs, was facilitated by Andrea Albertyn, OneAfrica Secretary and included: > scoping the values, purpose, focus areas, sought outcomes as a collective; > identifying dominant personality traits (e.g. leader vs thinker vs doer vs carer) - aimed at helping us work better together by having insights into how we think, approach things and act; > Our decision-making process with agreement reached on using SMART principles to guide us > agreement on specific activites to undertake, in line with focus areas

Christmas in the Park - 25th Dec'20

Christmas is supposed to be a happy, festive time for everyone but sadly not so for all families. OneAfrica extended an invitation to individuals and familes for a fun day at Omana Regional Park at a great spot close to the beach. Attendees could bring a picnic basket and and enjoy a shared lunch. Santa was there with gifts for the little ones.

High Tea - 17th Oct'20

OneAfrica extended an invitation for a relaxing afternoon, enjoying cake and tea, and meeting new friends. There were a couple of guest speakers and The Dukes (Kaapse Klopse) entertained everyone. Spot prizes were up for grabs. Tickets were $20 as this was a fundraiser for OneAfrica. Guests could host a table and there were prizes for the best dressed table.

Food donations 2016 -2018

At Christmas time, with the help of donations and in collaboration with local small businesses like Southmall Pharmacy in Manurewa, OneAfrica was able to help families in need with trolleys of groceries and food hampers.

Workshop for migrants 18th Feb'17

Under the umbrella of S.A.F.E. (South Africans Fostering Empowerment) - which is what OneAfrica charity originally started as, a workshop was held at the Howick Fencible Lounge for South African migrants. The cost was $35 per person - included a light lunch and tea/coffee, with great prize draws from local small businesses and spot prizes on offer. The workshop sought to address the following challenges for new migrants: > Those keen to meet other South Africans> Those experiencing home sickness & adaptation challenges> Impact of the move on individuals, their family and relationships with their partners> Those who needed more insight into the immigration process and needed some coping strategies> Those struggling in the workplace> Those who found it hard to understand different cultures in NZ The interactive workshop provided an opportunity to meet other South Africans and for attendees to be given the "tools" to cope with everyday life in NZ, featuring presenters Eve Hemming (from Thames) and Pieter De Zwart (from Tauranga). About the presenters: Eve: registered psychologist with a background in special needs education, expressive arts, counselling and mental well-being. Her book, 'Scatterlings' inspired and assisted immigrants around the world. Eve shared thoughts and insights about the 'emotional rollercoaster immigration ride' & its impacts on the family, the kids, relationships - how immigration affects men, women, adolescents & children differently. She provided a few coping strategies and tools to facilitate the process which would benefit both new and older immigrants. Pieter: has been involved with the settlement of migrants to NZ for some 20 years. From his own immigration experience 35 years ago he realised later on that many immigrants were all too often ill-informed or ill-prepared for life in NZ. His philosophy is that if migrants would get good, realistic information and take more responsibility for informing themselves about the realities of life in NZ, they could become productive and can add value to this country much better and much sooner. Or, perhaps not come at all, avoiding a mentally and/or financially disastrous experience. From that perspective he wrote his book “New Zealand from A-Z” in the late 80’s and, created the first community education workshops on the topic of settlement in 1997 as well as the Immigration Clinics at the Pakuranga CAB in 1999. Pieter’s professional experiences are many and include being an immigration adviser for over 15 years, a natural mind-body therapist and a certified career guidance counselor for the last 3 years. As an Educator/Trainer, his objective is to empower people through knowledge and training in order to become independent; as such he loves working with all kinds of people at all levels, including new migrants.