Growing Roots, Building Confidence: Empowering Communities Through Knowledge

We believe that knowledge is not just power — it’s belonging. When people understand their rights, know where to find support, and feel confident asking questions, they can truly take root and thrive in their new home.

Launching the Grow Your Roots Programme

In August, we were thrilled to launch our Community Capacity Building: Grow Your Roots programme — a dynamic initiative created with and for individuals from refugee, asylum seeker, and migrant backgrounds.

The programme goes beyond information-sharing. It’s about creating a welcoming and safe space where people can build confidence, deepen understanding, and strengthen their tūrangawaewae — their sense of belonging and place — here in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Through Grow Your Roots, participants gain practical insights into their rights and responsibilities, learn how to access essential services, and discover opportunities for both personal and professional growth. Just as importantly, it’s a space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who are on similar journeys.

At HOST, our mission is to empower newcomers with the tools, confidence, and connections they need to shape their own futures — not just to settle, but to flourish.

Know Your Rights: Employment Rights and Responsibilities

Source: Employment New Zealand

In October, we continued this journey with our Know Your Rights workshop series, focusing on Employment Rights and Responsibilities. The session was expertly led by DLA Piper lawyer Kieron Creagh, who shared valuable insights into employment law in New Zealand.

From understanding pay, KiwiSaver, and tax, to learning about workplace entitlements like breaks and leave — participants walked away with knowledge that directly impacts their everyday lives.

What stood out most was the number and depth of questions asked by participants. Even in an online setting — which can limit engagement and access for some — people spoke openly about challenges they face at work. One participant shared:

"If I face a work situation which I feel is not correct and this has been happening for many weeks, who can I go to for help? My manager and team members are not people I can talk to. I feel I cannot trust them. They don't speak much to me."

This highlights a key lesson not only for participants, but also for employers: creating a safe, inclusive workplace where employees feel they can raise concerns without fear is essential. Employees need accessible support, clear dialogue, and managers who actively foster trust. Employers who cultivate these conditions not only meet their legal and ethical obligations but also strengthen their teams, reduce isolation, and build a culture of engagement and resilience.

Employers also need to understand that newcomers face unique challenges in the workplace — not only do they often still have limited knowledge about their rights and responsibilities, but also have to navigate unfamiliar expectations, communication styles, and workplace culture. The key ingredient? Honest, transparent, and inclusive communication.

Workshops like these do more than share information — they build connections, break down isolation, and provide guidance when trust feels fragile.

“Thank you for offering this workshop. It is very enlightening, particularly for those new to the NZ workforce.”

“Just would like to say that an informative topic was discussed; I learned what I did not know before through this workshop.”

“I attended to broaden my knowledge about the support and educational networks for former refugee communities that exist in Aotearoa New Zealand. This was a perfect thumbnail sketch of fundamental employment rights and responsibilities. Thank you!”

Feedback like this shows the true impact of creating safe, accessible learning spaces — spaces where questions are welcomed, and barriers to understanding are broken down.

Strength in Collaboration

Our partnership with DLA Piper embodies what community empowerment looks like in action. By generously sharing their expertise, DLA Piper helps make complex legal information clear, practical, and relevant to those who need it most. Thank you, DLA Piper team!

Together, we’re not just delivering workshops — we’re fostering confidence, inclusion, and independence. Every session helps participants feel more equipped to navigate their new environment, advocate for themselves, and participate fully in the life of their communities.

At HOST, we’re proud to continue building these bridges — supporting former refugees and migrants to grow their roots, deepen their knowledge, and thrive in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Employers and organisations play a key role in fostering trust, transparency, and empowerment of newcomers. If you’d like to collaborate with HOST on upcoming workshops or initiatives, reach out to our team today.

Explore any upcoming Community Capacity Building: Grow your Roots workshops or watch the recording of the Employment Rights & Responsibilities workshop here: Community Capacity Building | HOST International Aotearoa