Hot Take on Local Action for a Sustainable Future

Community Networks • October 8, 2025

Kia ora koutou, 


In today’s world, communities and volunteer organisations play a vital role in addressing the challenges of environmental sustainability. As climate change, waste management, and resource depletion continue to shape global conversations, it’s increasingly clear that collective local action is key. CNA, as a national network of community organisations in New Zealand, has been actively working to support grassroots efforts in creating a more sustainable world. 

 

CNA recognises the need, even in these busy times, of integrating sustainability into every level of community action, ensuring that organisations are not only responding to immediate needs but also fostering long-term, sustainable change. By seeking resources, tools, and knowledge, local groups can be aware of pressing environmental issues, from reducing carbon footprints to protecting native biodiversity. 


Here’s how community and volunteer organizations can help make a new world by taking positive action on environmental and sustainability issues: 


1. Promote Localized, Low-Carbon Solutions 


This means encouraging renewable energy adoption, supporting the use of public transportation or cycling, and fostering local food systems. Community groups can facilitate educational programs on how reducing carbon emissions helps mitigate climate change, creating initiatives like community gardens or solar energy co-operatives. Time to get that pedometer going and get those steps in. 


Action Step: Even just have kōrero around possible sustainable practices, and low-emission transportation methods, can empower members to make carbon-conscious decisions. 


2. Implement Circular Economy Practices 


Circular economies are essential for minimizing waste and maximizing resource use. Community organisations can create initiatives to encourage recycling, upcycling, and composting while reducing waste going to landfills. CNA supports community-driven solutions like repair cafes or zero-waste workshops that help individuals extend the life of products and reduce consumption of new resources. 


Action Step: Find out where your local zero-waste place is. They can provide you with the ability to get rid of electronic waste effectively and also they have items at low, low prices.. 

 

3. Foster Sustainable Consumption and Eco-friendly Products 


Another key area is empowering individuals and businesses to make better consumption choices. Community organizations can provide information about eco-friendly alternatives, whether it’s sustainable fashion, eco-friendly cleaning products, or the ethical sourcing of food and goods. By educating the community and hosting sustainability fairs, they can create demand for greener products while reducing reliance on harmful and wasteful practices. 

Action Step: Does your organisation know where it gets its products from? Are there any better suppliers with a lesser carbon footprint. It’s easy to continue down that same old trodden path – what’s out there now? 


As community and volunteer organisations, we have an immense responsibility and an opportunity to shape a sustainable future. By fostering local action that aligns with environmental sustainability, groups can not only improve their immediate surroundings but also contribute to the broader global effort to combat climate change and protect natural resources. 


Ngā mihi nui,
Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer.

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A Governance Milestone

By Community Networks • February 3, 2026
Kia ora koutou, Running a not-for-profit in Aotearoa New Zealand isn’t for the faint-hearted. Funding pressures, rising compliance demands, volunteer burnout and changing community needs can make it feel like you’re spinning a dozen plates at once. But here’s the good news: you’re not alone. One of the clearest signs of that strength is CNA’s Tick for Governance course, which has now reached a major milestone — over 1,000 users have either completed the course or are actively working through it. That’s 1,000 trustees, board members and leaders investing in good governance and better outcomes for their communities. 🎉 Tick for Governance is special because it’s the only truly Kiwi governance course of its kind. It’s written by Kiwis, for Kiwis, grounded in the realities of how not-for-profits operate in Aotearoa. It’s also proudly supported by Charity Services and the Institute of Directors, giving organisations confidence that the learning is practical, credible and relevant. But CNA doesn’t stop at courses. We’re here to help build capacity and ease workloads through a growing suite of courses, apps and practical resources designed for the real world not-for-profits operate in. A standout example is our collaboration with WiseComply, a smart compliance app that takes a huge weight off governance and management teams. Just like Tick for Governance, WiseComply updates your legislative and compliance requirements as they happen, so you don’t have to constantly chase changes or worry about missing something critical. Less stress, more confidence, better governance, more casual cups of tea. We’re also expanding our highly successful Sharp Strategies series. These aren’t your average sit-and-listen presentations. Sharp Strategies go deeper, offering real-time answers from experts on the issues that actually keep you awake at night, especially with the impending re-registration of Incorporated Societies, the General Election and more. Practical, interactive and immediately useful. Together, these initiatives reflect what CNA is all about: creating meaningful building blocks that strengthen individual organisations, lift the sector as a whole, and ultimately contribute to a stronger, more resilient Aotearoa New Zealand society. Five ways your organisation can get involved: Enrol your board in Tick for Governance to build confident, capable governance. Use WiseComply to simplify and stay on top of compliance obligations. Attend Sharp Strategies sessions to get direct, expert guidance on tough issues. Share CNA resources with staff and volunteers to build capability across your organisation. Make CNA learning part of your ongoing planning, not just a one-off fix. As we head into 2026, now is the perfect time to invest in your people, your governance and your future. Engage with CNA, use the tools on offer, and let’s keep building a stronger not-for-profit sector — together. In the words of a wise, wise man – “To Infinity, And Beyond!”

Thanks, and Use Us More!

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