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
Share
From trust, respect, and strong communication through to financial transparency and shared values, in my view these are the essentials that make collaboration or partnership truly effective.
Kia ora koutou, One of the greatest strengths of our sector is our willingness to come together, share knowledge, and lift each other up. Here at good ol’ CNA, we know from experience that strong relationships with our members help us grow and strengthen our own work. And we see our members doing the same with the networks and communities they support. We’re a network that builds capacity by engaging deeply with you—our members. Whether through our 50th Anniversary Hui, regular updates, or one-on-one kōrero, your insights help shape our direction, inform our advocacy, and refine the resources we provide. It’s through this two-way relationship that we grow stronger as an organisation—and the same holds true for you and your own networks. It’s why we bring everyone together every two years—to connect face to face, share lessons, and learn from one another. When you hear how another group has tackled leadership development or improved their financial systems, you gain ideas and inspiration to take home. And when you share your own success, you spark growth in others. From supporting better governance through our Tick for Governance Course (over 900 satisfied customers!) and strategic planning, to helping organisations improve fundraising, engaging with Banks, Select Committees, and collaboration—we all grow by reaching out and working together. CNA does this with our members, and our members do it with theirs. The ripple effect is powerful. Your network is so much more than an email list—it’s a community of experience, support, and strength. Let’s keep learning, building, and growing together. Here are 4 action points for to better engage with their members: Yell it to the Rooftops: Through newsletters and social media make sure to highlight member successes, share relevant news, and provide opportunities for feedback. Add this positivity to inspire others Throw a Party: Even if it’s a cuppa and a bikkie, these allow members to keep relationships, share knowledge, and collaborate in real-time in an easy atmosphere – we don’t’ have to be on the treadmill all the time. We are allowed to enjoy ourselves. Pick up the phone: Sometimes it’s great to get a call that’s not about an issue. Just to say ‘hello’, ‘I’m thinking of you’, ‘what’s on your mind?’. These strengthen our relationships and keep us in mind of each other, which may mean reminding each other of what we can support each other in. Share the aroha: Create spaces (online or in-person) where members can exchange ideas and experiences. When someone learns a new strategy or approach, share it widely to inspire innovation and growth across your network. Why reinvent the wheel? Take that idea and adapt it to your own organisation. These are just a few ways to increase your capacity, to deepen relationships, and to help each other upwards. Forward, Stronger! Patrick Davies Membership Engagement Officer
After a year of research and advocacy, Community Networks Aotearoa shares how First Credit Union is stepping up to support better banking for non-profits—offering practical solutions to long-standing sector challenges.
