A Response from CNA Chair Holly Snape: 1 Sector, 6 Parties Political Panel

Community Networks • May 18, 2026

By Holly Snape, Chair, Community Networks Aotearoa


I had the honour of representing Community Networks Aotearoa by opening and closing what became the first 2026 election-focused political panel events held specifically for our community and voluntary sector. The evening demonstrated both the strength of our sector and the urgency of ensuring community voices are heard throughout this election period.


The level of interest and participation exceeded expectations. The diversity of attendees and the quality of discussion reinforced just how crucial these conversations are. It is clear that the community and voluntary sector must become an election issue. Our organisations deliver essential services, strengthen social cohesion, and support communities every day, yet too often the realities we face are overlooked in political debate. Our issues are often poorly understood and the complexity of the space we navigate is commonly underestimated.


The livestream ensured that people who were unable to travel to Wellington still had the opportunity to hear directly from politicians, understand their positions, and engage with the issues affecting our sector. Making the event accessible beyond the room itself was very important, particularly for organisations and individuals based outside the main centres who are equally impacted by political decision-making.


At the same time, the in-person event brought together a remarkable diversity of people from across the non-profit and community sector. Attendees represented a wide range of organisations, causes, and communities, including many Wellington-based participants as well as others who travelled significant distances to be part of the discussion. What became especially clear throughout the evening was the value of simply creating space for people to connect, providing an opportunity to network across subsectors that do not often have the chance to come together in one place.


I was absolutely thrilled by the response to the event and grateful to everyone who contributed to such a constructive and engaging discussion. Special mention must be made of Sue Barker, of Sue Barker Law, who was a significant sponsor of the event. Without her generous contribution and support, an event of this scale and accessibility would not have been possible. Her commitment to strengthening the community and non-profit sector helped ensure this important conversation could take place and reach organisations across Aotearoa.


CNA will continue to build on this momentum by sharing follow-up communications and inviting any unanswered questions to remain part of the ongoing dialogue with political representatives.


Ngā mihi,
Holly Snape, Chair
Community Networks Aotearoa

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Create Your Amazing Networking Election Event

By Community Networks • May 6, 2026
Kia ora koutou, Gather your team, pour a drink, and get ready for something a little different. This isn’t your average political panel. It’s a chance for Aotearoa’s community sector to tune in together, listen to the proposed direction, share ideas, and maybe even get a bit fired up about the future. Hosted by Community Networks Aotearoa, ‘1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond’ this live-streamed event brings politicians from across the spectrum into one (virtual) room to talk candidly about the realities facing charities, iwi organisations, and Not-for-Profits. With the next election on the horizon, what they say, and how they say it, matters. And the best part? You don’t have to watch it alone. Turn it into a mini event of your own. Set up a screen in the office, book out the community hall, or invite a few colleagues over. With drinks, nibbles, and ‘hellos’ kicking off from 4:30pm and the panel starting at 5:00pm, it’s perfectly timed to roll straight from work into something social and energising. Guided by political reporter Jehan Casinader, expect a lively, honest kōrero that goes beyond the usual talking points. He’s got the gumption, you bring the cynicism. As a CNA member it’s a great way to bring your organisation together to reconnect, network, and kōhumuhumu. It’s also a great way to remind your people why you’re our member and what they get from your membership with us. We’re always looking for great ways to help you provide excellent and meaningful support. Watching together adds a whole new layer. You’ll catch things you might miss on your own, spark conversations in the moment, and build a shared understanding of what’s ahead. It’s part watch party, part strategy session, with a side of healthy debate. Want to make it count? Try this: Make it a watch party: Bring shared kai (remember those dietary peeps too!), and a relaxed but curious vibe—think less lecture, more shared experience. Get ready to kōrero: Bring a pen and paper and make moments to react, question, or celebrate what you’re hearing. Capture the “aha” moments: Jot down ideas or quotes that hit home for your team; and what you might be able to put in your newsletter. Turn talk into action: After the stream, ask “So what do we do with this?” and pick one or two next steps. This is your chance to connect, reflect, and maybe even challenge what you think you know. So don’t just tune in, show up, together, and be part of the conversation shaping the road ahead. The election is closer than you think! Ngā mihi, Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

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