2023 Mahi Highlights - Community Networks Aotearoa.

Communications Officer • December 19, 2023

Reflecting on a Remarkable Year: CNA's Journey in 2023!

We thought we’d take a moment to reflect on all the incredible mahi that our team has worked on throughout the year. From big research projects to Parliamentary submissions, to Huis and trainings — it’s been a huge year for us here at CNA.

We’d like to thank our members and the wider community for coming along with us on this journey in supporting one of the most crucial sectors in Aotearoa. As the year winds down, we encourage you to take a proper break from your mahi, spend time with friends and whānau and recharge your batteries so that you can start the new year feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

2023 Recap, a snapshot of what we got up to this year.

Better Banking Launch
2023 was the year we launched “Better Banking for All - Creating Ease of Banking for the Not-For-Profit Sector”. The first-of-its-kind research shed light on the significant challenges faced by small to mid-sized Not-for-Profit organisations when dealing with banks. It aimed to explore potential strategies for improving banking services and addressing the specific needs of community organisations, allowing them to focus more on their valuable work.

Hui23 'Food for Thought' - Members Hui
On Friday 18th August, nearly 40 members on CNA gathered in person at our biennial Membership Hui – the first in quite some time. It was a wonderful day of connection, conversation and networking. Just a friendly reminder, our Membership Hui occurs every two years, as the alternating years and reserved for our comprehensive conference. Looking forward to the upcoming year, I encourage you to allocate the necessary resources in your 2024 planning for our approaching conference. Stay tuned for more updates and keep an eye on your inboxes, It’s an event not to be missed!

Wellington Network Summit on Flooding Response Collaboration

On the 1st March 2023, Community Networks Aotearoa, Presbyterian Support Services and Citizens Advice Bureau hosted the Wellington Network Summit on Flooding Response Collaboration. This was an opportunity for National Community Organisations in Wellington to come together, and discuss the most meaningful and impactful ways to provide support to those worse affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Keep in the loop here

Welcome 2023 New Members!
A very warm welcome to our new CNA members who joined us in 2023. We have welcomed 26 new members during the year, both Associates and Full members.

Full members: Midlands Sexual Assault Support Services; Mums4Mums; NZ Association of Counsellors; Parent Help; Salvation Army; Salvation Army; WĀI Wanaka; Hamilton Hearing Association /Te Kahui Rongo o Aotearoa; The Loft Community Wellbeing Services Ki Te Tihi and Environmental Hubs Aotearoa.

Associate Members: Awhi Charitable Trust; Brain Injury Waikato; Good Neighbour Aotearoa Trust; Māngere Budgeting services Trust; Men and Trauma Trust; Pou Herena Tai Twin Cycle trail; SuperGrans Incorporated; Presbyterian Support South canterbury; Rural Youthland Adult Literacy Trust; Te Whare Putea Trust; Wish Trust; Marakite Online Trust of NZ; Ngawai Whanau Charitable Trust; Family & Financial Solutions Trust; KŌ Collective and Mentoring NZ.

2023 Member Spotlights 👇

Member Spotlight - Tararua Rural Education Activities Program (Tararua REAP)

By Communications Officer • October 30, 2023

In this blog, we’re highlighting Tararua Rural Education Activities Program (Tararua REAP), who make a real difference in the rural community by delivering and supporting all sectors of education including early childhood, schools, youth, tertiary and adult education. Let’s take a look at Tararua REAP’s history, people, mission and mahi.

Rebuilding a Garden | Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House

By Communications Officer • September 20, 2023

Member Spotlight! Words & Imagery - Rob Gray Community Manager Waimarie: Hamilton East Community House

CNA Member Spotlight: Get to Know COLAB

By Community Networks • March 16, 2023

Each month, we like to take the opportunity to put the spotlight on just one of our incredible member organisations – to take a deeper look at their missions, mahi, and impact they’re making in their communities. Today we’re spotlighting COLAB, the network working collaboratively to achieve a sustainable thriving, community in Te Puke.

Meri Kirihimete!

Time to kick back, soak up some sun, and enjoy good times with friends and whānau. Wishing you a restful break, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. See you in 2024, there’s a lot in store that we look forward to sharing with you!

Ngā mihi, CNA.

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Solving Board Problems with Bullet(s) Points...

April 8, 2025

Being part of a community organisation is exciting, rewarding, and sometimes a little chaotic. From passionate debates to trying to make decisions that serve everyone’s needs, it’s no surprise that things can get a bit tangled at times.

Hapori Aotearoa Conference Wrap-Up

By Community Networks • March 10, 2025

Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer