News
African Arts and Cultural Festival
Posted 17 November 2024
As promised the first ever African Arts Cultural Festival in Wellington kicks off Saturday 30 November 2024 at Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua from 10am to 5pm.
There will be African food, fashion, arts and craft, live music, poetry and songs and dance. Do join us in this pioneer celebration of African Culture.
Family and Sexual Violence Panel Discussion
Posted 22 October 2024
Violence is never a resort to accomplish life goals. What are the root causes, early warning signs and how best do we manage this in our community? Do join us for an informed panel discussion on family and sexual violence. This is part of a series of initiatives by African Community Council (ACCW) in conjunction with The Ministry of Social Development (MSD). See you all at the panel discussion:
Panel: Vira Paky (Youth Engagement Co-ordinator – Save the Children NZ), Denise Byarugaba (Social Worker, Public Health Adviser and Community Advocate), Thomas Banda (Development Practitioner) and Mike Trotter (New Zealand Police)
Date: Saturday 09 November 2024
Time: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore Avenue Johnsonville, Wellington 6037
Meal is provided
Strength in Unity
Posted 13 October 2024
Join us for a special event designed to connect, empower and inspire men in our community.
This event provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and the cultivation of strong bonds within a supportive community.
Don’t miss out on this special event! Reserve your spot by filling out this form. This series of event theme is ‘Strength in Unity’.
Date: Saturday 26 October 2024
Venue: Whisky and Wood, Level 1/60 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington
Time: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Dress Code: Casual
RSVP: Please RSVP by reading more.
Flourishing in Aotearoa
Posted 13 October 2024
The African Community Council of Wellington (ACCW) is happy to bring to you another remarkable celebration of women in our community. The theme for this year is centred on ‘Flourishing in Aotearoa’, a time when ladies come all out to celebrate. This year’s edition promises to be more spectacular than last year.
Date: Saturday 19 October 2024
Venue: Whisky & Wood, Level 1/60 Cambridge Terrace, Te Aro, Wellington
Time: 2pm till late
Dress Code: Spring Colours
Click read more to RSVP.
Luke Smith Memorial service
Posted 10 October 2024
Luke’s memorial service will take place this Saturday 12 October at 2pm in Trentham Masonic Center, Islington Street, Trentham, Upper Hutt. During this time there will be talks to remember Luke and you are all invited to attend and stand by the family.
To support cost for the family at this time, there are two give-a-little funds open to everyone to contribute: JusticeForLuke set up by The Blackhouse and Support Needed to Honor Luke’s Resting Place set up the Family Priest (Duane Greyling).
See you all at the memorial service.
Annual General Meeting 2024
Posted 18 September 2024
The Annual General Meeting for 2024 provides a forum to talk about the ACCW’s achievements during the year under review and opportunity to share our plans and strategies in the coming year.
Venue: Collective Community Hub, 33 Johnsonville Road, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037
Date: 18 October 2024
Time: 5:30pm – 7:30pm
Light refreshment provided, see link for Agenda.
Mothers Day 2024
To the resilient, nurturing, and beautifully strong African and women around the world.
Today, as we celebrate Mother’s Day, our heart overflows with gratitude and admiration for each and every one of you. You are the backbone of families, the pillars of strength in communities, and the embodiment of love that knows no bounds.
Mens Night 2024
Posted 25 April 2024
This year’s Mens Night builds on previous edition with a theme “The Role of Men in Family and Community Social Wellbeing”.
It is envisioned that by attending, men in our community will be empowered to be better role models and inspired. The event is open for all men, do extend to your communities and friends.
ANZAC Day 2024
Posted 25 April 2024
A solemn moment to remember the brave men and women who lost their lives during war.
Anzac Day is observed on 25 April. It commemorates New Zealanders killed in war and honours returned and serving servicemen and women.
The date marks the anniversary of the landing of Australian and New Zealand soldiers – the Anzacs – on the Gallipoli Peninsula in 1915. The aim was to capture the Dardanelles and open a sea route to the Bosphorus and the Black Sea. At the end of the campaign, Gallipoli was still held by its Ottoman Turkish defenders.
Africa Day 2024 @ Te Rauparaha Arena, Porirua
Posted 22 April 2024
Each year we come together to celebrate our African heritage with a dazzling display of arts, crafts, music, poetry, fashion, cuisine, performances and words of wisdom. This year, the African Union theme “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century” celebrates the rich and diverse educational achievements across the African continent.
Venue: Te Rauparaha Arena, 17 Parumoana Street, Porirua
Date: Saturday 18 May 2024
Time: 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
Expression of Interest for ACCW Board Role
Posted 21 April 2024
Over the course of 19 months, the Board has had a few resignation in line with section 26(c) of the ACCW constitution and inactive status based on section 26(e) of the ACCW constitution. While it is challenging for the Board to deliver on its vision in line with the wider African community aspirations, the Board is now looking to fill seven vacant roles in the Board via this Expression of Interest (EOI).
If you have the zeal to serve the African community, possess progressive vision and equipped with adequate skillset, do fill out this EOI.
2023 Year End Message
Posted 24 December 2023
Dear Esteemed Members of the African Community in Wellington, as the year draws to a close, I am thrilled to recount the incredible journey we have undertaken together as a vibrant and united community under the banner of the African Communities Council of Wellington (ACCW). This year has been a testament to our strength, resilience, and the unwavering spirit that binds us together.
We kicked off the year with a bang at the “Welcome to 2023” social event held at the picturesque Avalon Park. The atmosphere was filled with laughter, the sizzle of barbecue, the rhythm of music….
Kosam Nyamdela – President, African Communities Council of Wellington (ACCW)
Notice of Departure and Funeral Arrangement (Octavius Jones)
Posted 21 November 2023
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Octavius Jones. Octavius while carrying out his doctoral studies at Victoria University of Wellington was an active member of the African community.
His family have put together a Go Fund for his funeral, follow the link to donate
The funeral will be livestreamed 21 November 2023 by 8am 22 November New Zealand Time (NZT) from Ecclesia Christian Fellowship, join through the YouTube link.
African Community September Hui
The monthly hui aims to engage in an open discussion on matters of paramount importance to our community. This includes a transparent review of the actions undertaken by the current committee and an exploration of future partnerships, events, and activities that will bring substantial benefits to our community.
Date: 28 September 2023
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Venue: Zoom
Registration Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUkc–hrT4iE9OhpxV8gUJBB5wYBfNJF0pN
A Zoom link to join the hui will be sent immediately after registration.
New Zealand General Election Workshop
ACCW is running a New Zealand General Election Workshop in collaboration with Generation Vote.
The aim of this workshop is to improve awareness and knowledge on the voting system in New Zealand. The workshop also aims to foster empowerment for our African community voters in the forthcoming general election.
Date: 01 October 2023
Time: 1pm -2pm
Venue: Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington 6037
Health and Wellbeing Sector Expression of Interest
The Health and Wellbeing Committee of ACCW is establishing a database that lists people in our community with particular professional skills and areas of interest in the health sector. We recognise that such individuals are key stakeholders in advocating and promoting good health and wellbeing within the African Community of Wellington.
Some examples of areas of need currently identified include but are not limited to securing African health and wellbeing practitioners to speakers at events, provision of timely health advice to organisations such as Red Cross, Women’s Refugee etc, and effective African representation on National Health Boards.
To register your interest, read more to access the form.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 10
The concluding Session 10 of The Ubuntu Learning Hub takes place this Saturday 19 August 2023 at Orongomai Marae, 1/9 Railway Avenue, Maidstone, Upper Hutt 5018 from 10:30am to 3pm
Session 10 Topic is: Understanding New Zealand Bicultural Framework and Marae Visit.
We have Kaikaranga and Kaikorero who will be speaking on our behalf as we get invited on to the Marae. Kaumatua will brief us on the history of the Marae then a Poi workshop and a talk on the role of Children in Te Ao Maori by Sammie Heemi.
Please arrive early to respect local customs and bring a plate for lunch.
Annual General Meeting 2023
Posted 04 August 2023
The Annual General Meeting for 2023 provides a forum to brainstorm on achievements attained during the year under review and forge decisions to overcome challenges in the coming year.
This year’s AGM will be held at Akau Tangi Sports Centre located at 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie on 02 September 2023 from 2pm-4pm.
Light refreshment provided and see link for Agenda.
The Power in You: Ladies in Pink Celebration
Posted 17 June 2023
The African Community Council of Wellington (ACCW) is happy to bring to you another remarkable celebration of women in our community. The theme for this year is centred on ‘The Power in You’, a time when we ladies come all out to celebrate. This year’s edition promises to be more spectacular than last year.
Date: Saturday 15 July 2023
Venue: Lower Hutt Event Centre
Time: 3:30pm to 10:30pm
Dress Code: Pink/Gold attire strictly
RSVP: Compulsory (women only) – RSVP closes 30 June 2023
RSVP Link: click read more to find link
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 9
Posted 9 June 2023
The ninth session of Ubuntu Learning Hub continues this Saturday 10 June 2023 at Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington from 12noon to 3pm
Session 9 Adult Topic is: The New Zealand Curriculum Refresh and Session 9 Youth Topic is: DJ101-All the skills you need to start your DJ journey
We have two fantastic speakers Vanessa de Souza-Cameron and Eddie Ennion who are experienced with the Ministry of Education and professional DJs respectively.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 8
Posted 2 June 2023
The eight session of Ubuntu Learning Hub continues this Saturday 3 June 2023 at Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington from 12noon to 3pm
Session 8 Adult Topic is: Nutrition and Healthy Lunches and Session 8 Youth Topic is: Start-Up 101 – The ABC’s of starting your business tomorrow
We have two fantastic speakers Hannah Aldersley and Warkina Tujuba who are experienced nutritionist and business innovator respectively.
Official Complaint Against Mike Hosking’s Africa Denigration Statement
Posted 2 June 2023
Under the ethics of journalism, Mike Hosking was given a job to present objective discourse but ended up denigrating people of African descent in one of his morning talk shows. While this cannot be argued to be a one-off statement or statements made in error, a repeated pattern has been observed in Mike’s derogatory use of the words “Sub-Saharan Africa”. Members of the African community have raised several complaints to the ACCW Board about this pattern of behaviour.
After making a submission, please share a copy to info@africancommunity.org.nz for collation and further action as deemed necessary until a resolution is achieved.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 7
Posted 26 May 2023
The seventh session of Ubuntu Learning Hub continues this Saturday 27 May 2023 at Johnsonville Community Centre, 3 Frankmoore Avenue, Johnsonville, Wellington from 12noon to 3pm
Session 7 Adult Topic: Transition from early Childhood Education to Primary School and Youth Topic: DJ101-All the skills you need to start your DJ journey
We have three fantastic speakers Anastasia Aukuso-Lolo, Eddie Ennion and Caio Bruno who are experienced as a deputy principal and professional DJs respectively.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 6
Posted 13 May 2023
The sixth session of Ubuntu Learning Hub continue this Saturday 13 May 2023 at Johnsonville Club, 1 Norman Lane, Johnsonville, Wellington from 12noon to 3pm
Session 6 topic 1: The role of school counsellor and what parents can expect from their school’s counsellor
Session 6 topic 2: Home Schooling: A parent sharing her personal journey
We have two fantastic speakers Jawahir Ahmed and Denise Byarugaba who are experienced experts in counselling and community engagement.
2023 African Day @ Parliament
Posted 12 May 2023
African Community Council of Wellington (ACCW) in conjunction with MP Ibrahim Omer, will host parliament celebration of Africa Day 2023. All members of the African community including family and friends of Africa are welcome to attend to celebrate 60 years of advancements since the first establishment of Organisation of African Unity (OAU) on 25 May 1963.
Date: Thursday 8 June 2023
Venue: Banquet Hall, New Zealand Parliament
Time: 5:30pm to 8pm
Dress Code: Formal and African Attire
RSVP: Compulsory (due to parliament security protocols with 300 capacity) – RSVP closes 1 June 2023
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 5
Posted 12 May 2023
The fifth session of Ubuntu Learning Hub continues Saturday 6 May 2023 at Akau Tangi Sports Centre, 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington from 12pm – 3pm
Session 5 topic is: Managing the disconnect between parents and children after immigrating to New Zealand
We have a fantastic speaker Sabina Larsen from Reachout Counselling. Sabina is an experienced counsellor adopting several technique in proving mental health advice.
Isaac Kissi Appeal Fund
Posted 25 April 2023
Isaac Kissi is a warm, friendly and compassionate husband and father of three children. Isaac was born in Ghana and a specialist car spray painting specialist. The medical team provided Isaac with a diagnosis of stroke which affected the right side of his body.
If you would like to organise a visit please email info@africancommunity.org.nz to make arrangements. For financial donations to this appeal please use:
Name: African Community Council Wellington
Account Number: 02-0560-0153347-025
Reference: Isaac Kissi
Spotlight on ViFA Radio’s Francois Byamana
Posted 24 April 2023
Francois Byamana Judah is ACCW community broadcaster and one of the presenters of VIFA (Vibes from AFRIKA). Francois Byamana interest in Media especially in radio started when he was a young boy growing up in ex Zaire, currently Democratic Republic of Congo. He is a father of two sons, both keen football players.
To join the show click the link: https://www.accessradio.org.nz/
If you missed the live show, you can listen to the podcast using this link: https://www.accessradio.org.nz/vibes-from-africa.html
Workingmen’s Bowling Club Consultation
Posted 24 April 2023
Feedback on the Workingmen’s Bowling Club located at 177 Owen Street in Newtown closes on 27 April 2023. Newtown hosts a good number of Africans and members of the ACCW Board have joined ACCW members in attending several consultation meetings and shared ideas for possible use of this space.
To read the news about this consultation visit: https://wellington.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-information/our-wellington/2023/03/workingmens-bowling-club
To fill out your submission visit: https://www.letstalk.wellington.govt.nz/bowling-club-newtown
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 4
Posted Monday 24 April 2023
The fourth Ubuntu Learning Hub resumes Saturday 29 April at Akau Tangi Sports Centre, 72 Kemp Street, Kilbirnie, Wellington from 12pm – 2:30pm.
Session 4 topic is: Cybersafety and Privacy
We have a fantastic speaker Boniface Ushaka from the MBIE. Boniface is an experienced information technology security consultant.
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 3
Posted on Friday 31 March 2023
The third Community Learning Hub workshop is this Saturday on the 1st of April from 10am-12pm.
Three simultaneous sessions for all family groups:
– The Adult session will be led by speakers from Ministry of Education (Annelies Mead and Ian McHale)
– The Youth session will be led by (TBC)
– The Children session will be led by Fasya Enegbuma
The topic will be ‘Understanding NCEA and Pathways‘
Ubuntu Learning Hub – Session 2
Posted on Thursday 23 March 2023
The second Community Learning Hub workshop is this Saturday on the 25th of March from 10am-12pm.
Three simultaneous sessions for all family groups:
– The Adult session will be led by our Education Lead Elma Behring
– The Youth session will be led by (TBC)
– The Children session will be led by Fasya Enegbuma
The topic will be ‘Understanding NZ Health Curriculum and Sexuality Education in Schools – what is on the curriculum and what parents need to know‘.
Multicultural Backyard Cricket Festival
Posted on Thursday 23 March 2023
Cricket Wellington, with the support of ChangeMakers, and are thrilled to announce the following upcoming community event at the Cello Basin Reserve. On Saturday 1st April, join us in celebrating Wellington’s diverse community with an all-inclusive, Multi-cultural Backyard Cricket Festival.
The event is free for all to attend, and alongside free food from eight ethnic food stalls, there will be games, music, henna hand painting, face painting and more! Additionally, the New Zealand Cricket Museum will be open on the day, offering an opportunity to explore the rich history of cricket in New Zealand.
Registration Open for the 2023 Football and Futsal Season!
Posted on Wednesday 22 March 2023
Participants can apply for support in playing or attending:
Club Football (Junior, Youth, Senior), School Football (College), Term 1 Futsal, Coaching Courses and Refereeing Courses
Participants can apply for different support structures for the 2023 season:
Kakariki (Full support), Kowhai (Partial Support) and Kikorangi (Registration Support)