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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CNA Chair Holly Snape reflects on 1 Sector, 6 Parties, the first 2026 election-focused political panel created specifically for Aotearoa’s community and voluntary sector, highlighting key discussions, sector representation, and why community voices must be part of the election conversation.
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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