MAT-ECARU - Migrant Action Trust

Migrant Action Trust - Ethnic Community Advocacy and Research Unit (MAT-ECARU)
Growing confident communities through ethnic-led community research unit
Purpose
Expanding horizons through research, fostering knowledge exchange among ethnic communities.
Rationale
Promoting ethnic-led and inclusive research and advocacy to deepen our understanding, support, and uplift the well-being of diverse communities we engage with.
Join Our Research: Shaping Better Working Conditions for Migrant Construction Workers
We, and Auckland University of Technology (AUT), are conducting an important research project to explore the experiences of migrant construction workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are inviting the following participants to contribute their insights:
Migrant construction workers on a 3-year accredited employer work visa
Labour hire managers involved in the recruitment and employment of migrant workers
Union and community representatives advocating for migrant workers in the construction industry
Your input through interviews or focus groups will help us better understand the challenges faced by migrant workers and inform future policies that improve working conditions across the sector.

🔐 All contributions will be confidential.

If you or your organization would like to participate or learn more, please click the link below!
Email us here!
LATEST RESEARCH: Aotearoa New Zealand Government and the Sanctioned Exploitation of
Migrant Construction Workers | 2025
This report examines the experiences of migrant construction workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. It discusses how regulatory gaps, precarious employment arrangements,
and systemic enforcement failures have compounded to create and perpetuate an
ongoing labour exploitation crisis. Drawing on 27 in-depth interviews, this study
integrates perspectives from migrant construction workers, community advocates,
union officials, and representatives from labour hire companies. The advocacy
strategies and existing factors that support the well-being and resilience of migrant
workers are highlighted. In addition to the structural drivers of abuse, the report shows
how the Aotearoa New Zealand government benefits from the exploitation of migrant
construction workers and its complicity in knowingly maintaining a system that
disadvantages the workers. Finally, this report concludes with policy
recommendations aimed at strengthening protections for migrant construction
workers and fostering their genuine inclusion in Aotearoa New Zealand society.
To see the research, click HERE!
An evaluation of the settlement services provided to former refugees arriving via the Refugee Quota Programme by MAT-ECARU Researchers | 2023
In December 2022, Immigration New Zealand Refugee and Migrant Support contracted Migrant Action Trust to undertake an evaluation of service providers delivering services to former refugees arriving via the Refugee Quota Programme.

To see the research, click HERE!
Empowering Communities: Our Work Plans and Priorities
Research | Training and Education | Partnership and Alliances
Research
•Tap community-based independent researchers and generating resources to undertake research work.
•Supervision and data analysis support

Supporting ethnic community-led independent research
•Tap community-based independent researchers and generating resources to undertake research work.
•Supervision and data analysis support

Training and Education
Build community capability and resource capacity in the research and funding area

•Support community organisations to undertake their own needs analysis.
•Support community organisations to undertake their own programme/services/project evaluation.
•Provide training to raise funds for their programmes/services.
Partnerships and Alliances
Advocating for Economic Justice and Community Flourishing: Migrant Action Trust's Collaborative Initiatives.
Migrant Action Trust (MAT) proudly stands as a member of the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa, championing the cause of ensuring adequate income for low-wage workers, enabling them to live with dignity. Our commitment to economic justice drives us to create a society where all individuals have the means to thrive.
Since 2022, MAT has also been an associate member of the International Migrants Alliance (IMA) — the first-ever global alliance of, for, and led by grassroots migrants, refugees, and displaced peoples. Established in 2008, IMA now brings together over 200 member organizations from more than 33 countries worldwide. As an anti-imperialist alliance, IMA amplifies the voices of grassroots migrants and challenges systemic injustices affecting migrants and their families. Through this global network, MAT strengthens its advocacy and solidarity efforts for migrant communities in Aotearoa and beyond.
MAT collaborates closely with esteemed community organizations such as Union Network of Migrants (UNEMIG), Belong Aotearoa, UMMA Trust, NFACT, Refugee Alliance, Mano Amiga, Ethnic Rainbow Alliance, Indian Workers Association, Migrante Aotearoa, GABRIELA Aotearoa, Anakbayan Aotearoa, Banyuhay Aotearoa, and others. Through these partnerships, we organize impactful community hui, launch petitions, and lead various campaigns to advocate for the rights and welfare of migrants and resettled communities.
On the international front, MAT partners with the Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM), a regional advocacy and capacity-building organization committed to promoting and protecting the rights and welfare of migrants in the Asia-Pacific region. This partnership strengthens our ability to connect local struggles with global movements and amplify the voices of migrants in Aotearoa on the international stage.
To further advance the rights and well-being of ethnic communities in Aotearoa, the outputs of our Ethnic Community Advocacy and Research Unit (ECARU) serve as valuable insights that inform our comprehensive Education and Training program. By empowering individuals and communities through education, we strive to create a society that is inclusive and equitable for all.
Join us in our unwavering dedication to promoting economic justice, community well-being, and the empowerment of diverse communities in Aotearoa New Zealand. Together, we can create meaningful change and pave the way for a brighter future.
Meet our Researchers
Alfredo Lopez, PhD.
Alfredo Lopez is a Colombian and New Zealand citizen. He holds a PhD in Social Sciences and Public Policy from Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Alfredo has an undergraduate degree in Computer Science and holds an MA with Honours in International Communication from Unitec Institute of Technology, as well as an MA in International Development from Massey University in New Zealand. In November 2023, he completed a one-year postdoctoral programme at UNICEPES Mexico. His expertise includes migration and refugee studies, quality of life, and human rights.
Nikhat Moulvi, PhD.
Dr. Nikhat Moulvi holds a PhD in Social Sciences and Public Policy (2022) and a Master of Arts in Human Services (2014), both from AUT. Her research focuses on the Community and Voluntary Sector in New Zealand, particularly the funding resources available to charitable organizations. Her doctoral thesis investigates the relationship between the faith sector and the state in Aotearoa New Zealand, examining how faith sector charities (FSCs) are funded and their role in providing social services. The study reveals that FSCs often provide services not covered by the state, with some receiving state funding for complementary services, and others engaging in advocacy roles. Her master's thesis analyzed data on charities in New Zealand to understand factors affecting their establishment, growth, and funding sources, as well as the impact of government funding and socio-economic conditions on the sector.

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Moulvi has worked with government agencies and charities as a funding administrator and fundraiser. Prior to moving to New Zealand from India, she worked with educational institutions and as a freelance journalist. She is dedicated to using her research skills to support community projects.
Contact our ECARU researchers!
For questions, please flick us a message!
0272293502
0272293502
ecaru@migrantactiontrust.org
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