Lessons from the Launch: Embracing the Unexpected

Patrick Davies • October 14, 2024

It Is Possible To Make No Mistakes And Still Lose. That Is Not Weakness, That Is Life.

Ah, Jean Luc, such a wise man. Recently you might have noticed we launched the State of the Sector Survey. And we did it online too… well, kinda. Ever get a case of the Gremlins? We did. You may not know, but I spent a couple of decades in theatre – several years as a tech and even a manager of a university theatre. So, I know my stuff, right? I wonder where this is going…


The day before the launch, we set up the hall, putting out the chairs, the lectern, the mic stand, etc., and testing the tech. We had a fantastic response to the online aspects of the launch and even more so for the recent Zui (currently sitting at time of writing at 187 registrations). As a not-for-profit, we scrimp and save like everyone else, which includes a free subscription to Zoom. But wait, that is capped at 100 attendees! And we have over 180!! Argh. But needs must when the devil makes some eggs; we splurged out for a month’s worth of WEBINAR STATUS (imagine strains of holy choirs).

Oh boy, we’re in the big time now. Um… how does this thing work? We did what everyone does – who do we know who can show me how to drive this thing? Up to the plate is a dear old tech friend, Hadley Thompson, who, on a warm Sunday night in the office, calmly gives me a tour of the wonderful world of webinaring.


Like most unknowns, it’s a little terrifying until you have a go, stuff it up, have another go, stuff it up less, and then finally breathe a sigh of relief when it works as you want it to.


So here we are, setting up the laptop, getting the camera angle right, and testing it. Did we need to test it more than once? Yes, I’ll come clean that there was no sound to start with, but boy, the presenters looked amazing. Did my blood pressure rise? Yes, it did. Did Dan solve it? Yes, yes, Dan did solve it.

Cut to the day of the launch – I still remember it like it was today (it was; I’m writing this in the past).

All ready to go! Awake at 5:45 am to get to the hall to set the tech all back up for doors opening at 7 am (we still have to make the coffee, set out the light snacks, and check the light level for the pictures).


And voilà! Nothing. Ummm… for some reason, the password that I have been using since July (always change those every 6 months) does. not. work.

Is it plugged in? Yes. Turn it off, turn it on. Nothing. Reset the password – it won’t let me. It actually locks me out. Can we use someone else’s account? No, the webinar status is on my email; that’s the link that’s been activated, and I can’t touch it to begin the webinar at all. Bugger.


Bugger. Bugger. Bugger. Bugger.


Take a deep breath; can we livestream on FB? Not really; how will people know? You know what, there’s another great saying about attempting all possible solutions and realising it's not going to happen. ‘When the horse is dead – get off!’


And so we did. Were we disappointed? Extremely. Was it beyond frustrating? Very. Had we done all we could to remedy the situation? Yes. Were we unhappy about losing the hundred-plus viewers online? Gutted, mate. That’s when the Captain of the Starship Enterprise (TNG)’s words came to me: “It Is Possible To Make No Mistakes And Still Lose. That Is Not Weakness, That Is Life.”



I still don’t know why Zoom locked me (I’ve since got back in – phew!), but more importantly, the report got launched – and that’s the real point of the story. Zoom or not – CNA launched the 2024 State of the Sector Report – and we’re bloody proud of that.

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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!

By Community Networks • December 8, 2025
Patrick reflects on CNA’s 2025 highlights, including the 50th anniversary, membership growth, and ways members can strengthen advocacy in 2026.

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