CNA’s Vision: A nationwide voice for local communities

CNA’s Purpose: To support community networks throughout Aotearoa by providing information, connection, and resources to member groups enabling them to empower their communities to meet their needs and aspirations.  To uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and act in a culturally appropriate manner as an umbrella organisation operating within Aotearoa.  

CNA’s Aims  

• To encourage and support the development and continuance of networking among member and associated organisations.  
• To promote information sharing, and liaison between statutory and non-statutory bodies, voluntary agencies, local authorities, and individuals in all areas of community and community services.  
• To represent the voices of member organisations.  
• To encourage and support the establishment of local and regional community sector networks. 
• To promote desirable initiatives in the community sector. 
• To encourage improved standards of voluntary, and community services and activities, including training. 
• To make recommendations to the Government and local authorities and other appropriate organisations as CNA thinks fit. 
• To comment and make submissions on any policy affecting local communities.
• To publish material which is consistent with the Statement of Purpose when required.
• To disseminate information which fosters public awareness in community matters and to encourage participation therein. To develop research and formulate policies on broad issues within communities. 
• To organise seminars and activities on issues relevant to the community sector.  

Resources, advice, networking, and support. 

CNA is a reactive organisation: 

• CNA seeks to network its Members to share solutions, resources, and ideas utilising our breadth and depth of local, regional, and national Members. 
• CNA listens to what is at the forefront of our Members’ minds and, where possible, creates Projects to support organisations and alleviate pain points for the Sector. 
• Most recently we launched our easy, online governance programme in response to the need for affordable governance training. 
• Have you ever tried to change signatories after an AGM? CNA launched it's Better Banking For All report on Wednesday 28th June.
• CNA looks through upcoming legislation and, in consultation with our Members, Sector organisations, and appropriate experts, responds with submissions and presentations to Select Committees, and other Govt. departments and agencies.  

For any issues or problems – if we can’t directly help you, we can find someone who can!  CNA only steps in to give practicable help to an organisation by invitation but when asked will do everything possible to aid and assist.  

Informing the Sector: 

Network News is published every month covering a wide range of relevant articles, topics, webinars, and Government updates you need to know about. 

Community Alert is published when there is important information you need to know about now. 

Collaborative Voices Radio Show highlights experts and experienced people with each episode covering topics that are of the moment. In collaboration with Wellington Access Radio, each episode is available online and throughout the motu. Our Members forward these onto their networks all across the motu so that information gets where it's needed.  Follow the link via our socials. 

Social Media Channels: Keeping the sector and our members up to date across the CNA organisation, sector news & resources, bills & legislation and more.  

Conferences and Huis: Every year we hold an event full of information, collaboration, resources, and what is relevant to you.  Our last event was our 2023 Hui, 'Food for Thought' in August 2023.  This year we look forward to our 2024 conference, set to be held in August 24. 

Governance Training:  Affordable, easy, and fun. Go to our Tick For Governance page for the latest information. 

CNA welcomes members of any size 

Our membership ranges from national, to regional, to local, to flax roots organisations. 

• Member organisations are committed to working for social wellbeing, equality and community development in their own communities. 
• CNA will uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi and act in a culturally appropriate manner as an umbrella organisation operating within Aotearoa. 
• Your organisation needs to be a networking non-profit NGO organisation. 
• Your membership also will need to be ratified by our Executive Committee who meet 4 times a year. 

 There are currently 2 levels of membership - Full and Associate. 

• Full Members - community networks and/or community networking organisations. 

Community Networks – formal or informal community networks based on geography or common interest.  

Community Networking Organisations - legal entities that have a role to facilitate and support national, regional, or local networks.

• Associate Members - community-based organisations that align with CNA’s purpose, but do not meet the above criteria. 

The difference?  Both Full and Associate Members have access to all the support, programmes, solutions, and advocacy that CNA provides.  Only Full members have voting rights at CNA Special and General Meetings. 

CNA is dedicated to ensuring that there is little financial barrier to becoming a member, which is why our fees have not changed in over a decade 

            Full Membership: $50 + GST     Associate Membership: $25+GST