RECAP: Filipinos in Aotearoa Welcome Session - Christchurch
- Banyuhay Aotearoa
- May 4
- 2 min read
Members of the growing Filipino community in Christchurch gathered once again for an afternoon of learning and sharing information to keep each other safe as they navigate their life in Aotearoa New Zealand. The event was held on the 4th of May at Rarakau Riccarton Community Centre.
Event Highlights
Seeking Legal Help for your Family by Lee Gillamac and Mariejo Sevilla of Layburn Hodgins Lawyers. In this brief segment, Lee and Mariejo outlined key actions that constitute family abuse, as well as the steps to seek help and take legal action.
Services Provided by Gabriela Aotearoa by Anna Casaje of Gabriela Aotearoa. Anna built on Lee’s and Mariejo’s key points and shared practical advice for Filipino migrants seeking help if they experience violence or abuse.
Keeping Our Community Safe by Li'Ying Cai of NZ Police. We were privileged to hear from Constable Li’Ying Cai, who shared essential tips on NZ law to help migrants stay safe while living and working in Aotearoa New Zealand. Her session covered crucial topics, including:
When to call 111 (Emergency) vs. 105 (Police Non-Emergency) – Knowing the difference could save lives.
What counts as an emergency – Understanding when immediate help is needed.
NZ road rules & common traffic violations – Staying safe (and fine-free) on the road.
What to do if you’re pulled over by police – Your rights and responsibilities.
How to report crime anonymously – The dedicated hotline: 0800 555 111 (Crime Stoppers).
Services Provided by Migrante Aotearoa by Alvin Casaje of Migrante Aotearoa. Alvin shared some key insights on what to watch out for as a migrant working in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Preventing Migrant Exploitation by Ministry of Business, Innovation , and Employment. Wendy, Adele, and Campbell from MBIE shared valuable insights on:
Recognising signs of migrant exploitation – how to identify situations where exploitation may be occurring.
The role of MBIE and Immigration NZ – how they support migrants facing abusive or exploitative conditions.
Where to seek help – who to contact if you or someone you know is experiencing migrant exploitation.
Their discussion highlighted crucial steps in protecting migrant workers and ensuring they know their rights and support options.
Acknowledgments
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to all our speakers and guests:
Lee Gillamac and Mariejo Sevilla of Layburn Hodgins Lawyers. They also graciously offered free legal consultations to attendees.
Anna Casaje of Gabriela Aotearoa.
Constable Li'Ying Cai from NZ Police.
Alvin Casaje of Migrante Aotearoa - Canterbury.
Wendy, Adele and Campbell of MBIE.
Carmi Sanico and Jamee Zohs of Black Sands Consulting who offered free immigration consultations during the session.
Special thanks to our volunteers for the day :
Carmina Blewett for being our lovely host.
Nelson Herrera for manning our information booth.
Janice Munar for helping with catering
Our heartfelt gratitude as well to our funders and sponsors:
We'll organise more online and in-person sessions like this one so we can help empower our fellow kababayans with essential and practical information that will be useful to them while they live and work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Stay tuned!
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