Connecting Our Neighbours
Community Networks • September 10, 2025
Kia ora koutou,
As Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA) continues to grow, so does the incredible breadth and depth of our Member organisations. From the Far North to the Deep South, CNA members are doing important mahi in their communities every day. But in the busyness of our work, we sometimes don’t get the chance to connect with others doing similar things just down the road—or even across town. And you may not know who’s joined CNA!
That’s where Neighbourly Natters comes in.
You may or may not be aware of our Neighbourly Natters that's just kicked off. Basically, as our membership is increasing, we want to better connect fellow CNA members in regions. It’s a brief meet and greet—name, organisation, elevator pitch, and maybe the main issue you’re dealing with. It’s a way to better know who your CNA neighbours actually are.
It’s a small idea with a big impact. These short, informal virtual catchups are a chance to meet other local Members, put faces to names, and start conversations that might just lead to collaboration. No pressure, no presentations—just a space to be seen, heard, and supported.
In the spirit of CNA’s values, Neighbourly Natters recognises that relationships are the foundation of strong communities. And when groups doing similar work start talking, the potential for shared learning, resource-swapping, and partnership grows quickly.
Even if your organisation has little to no funding, you can still build strong connections locally. Here are five zero-cost ways to foster collaboration with like-minded organisations in your community:
1. Host a “Community Cuppa”
Organise a monthly informal chat with local organisations—online or in a shared space like a library or marae. Bring your own drink, and just kōrero.
2. Create a Skills/Needs Swap List
Set up a shared doc where organisations can list what they can offer (e.g. a spare meeting room, tech skills) and what they need (e.g. volunteers, help with a flyer).
3. Run a Story-Sharing Circle
Invite community groups to a quick round of storytelling—one success, one challenge. These sessions build empathy and highlight shared goals.
4. Share a Community Calendar
Avoid overlap and support each other’s events by building a joint calendar for hui, workshops, or local campaigns.
5. Launch a “Collaboration Challenge”
Encourage two organisations to team up for just one thing: a post, event, or project. Keep it small, fun, and doable.
CNA’s Neighbourly Natters is about starting small—but thinking big. The more we connect, the more resilient and effective we become as a sector. Whether you’re a well-established organisation or a volunteer-led group, these conversations help weave the fabric of a stronger, more connected Aotearoa. We’ll look to have more of these and add some of your own network organisations too!
You never know where one good conversation might lead. Let’s keep connecting—one natter at a time.
Interested in joining a Neighbourly Natters session? Email me at info@communitynetworksaotearoa.org.nz
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