Celebrating Partnership: Katoa Connect Trust and Community Networks Aotearoa

Communications Officer • September 8, 2024

Celebrating Partnership: Katoa Connect Trust and Community Networks Aotearoa Join Forces for Collective Currents Conference

Tēnā koutou katoa ngā mema o te hapori Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA)
Greetings to all members of the Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA) community!

As we step into September, I’m reflecting with pride on the meaningful partnership we’ve developed with Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA). At Katoa Connect Trust, our collaboration with CNA is more than a strategic alliance; it’s a shared commitment to strengthening our communities and advancing inclusivity across Aotearoa New Zealand.

A major highlight of our partnership is the upcoming "Collective Currents: From Many Streams Great Rivers Flow" conference, taking place on the 24th and 25th of October in Wellington. This conference truly embodies the spirit of our collaboration. The title symbolises how diverse efforts can come together to create a powerful collective impact. I’m thrilled to be co-organising this event with CNA, and I’m excited about the opportunities it will bring.

Collective Currents Conference Tickets.

The conference programme aims to provide opportunities to learn, share, and connect. From dynamic keynote speakers who will inspire us with their insights to interactive workshops that will generate thought-provoking discussions, practical tools and strategies. The conference is designed to address the pressing issues facing our communities. The panel discussions will offer a platform for exploring innovative solutions and forging new partnerships.

What makes this event even more special is the chance to engage with the many dedicated individuals and organisations that make up our network. It’s through these connections that we find new ways to collaborate and drive positive change.

In addition to our work at the conference, I’m proud of Katoa Connect Trust’s ongoing commitment to digital inclusion. We understand that access to technology and digital literacy is essential in today’s world, which is why our programmes focus on bridging the digital divide in communities across Aotearoa New Zealand.

We provide training needed to ensure everyone can confidently navigate the digital landscape. By empowering people with these skills, we’re helping to create more connected, informed, and resilient communities.Our portfolio of programmes assists learners from various backgrounds and across the country. From Kaitaia to Invercargill, we contribute to Tangata Whenua and Tangata Tiriti communities made up of Māori, Pakeha/European, Pasifika, Migrants/Refugees, Seniors/Elderly and more. Our programmes are called Whānau Family Connect, Kaumātua Senior Connect, Hapori Connect, and Rerenga Refugee Connect.

We continually strive towards our vision:

Ka taea e tātou katoa o Aotearoa ngā kaha matihiko ki te whai wāhi i te Ao
Every person in Aotearoa has the digital capabilities to fully participate in the world

For more information: www.katoaconnect.org.nz

Dr Warren Williams
Chief Executive
Katoa Connect Trust

< Older Post

Newer Post >

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

End-of-Year Finance Checklist for Community Organisations in Aotearoa

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a great time for community organisations and NFPs to check in on their finances.

Need Help Making 1+1 = 6?

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

This month, we’re focusing on financial health—cash flow, grants, audits, and long-term stability. But this isn’t just a checklist—it’s an opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of our community!