Let Play Connect For! - Patrick Davies Hot Take

Patrick Davies • February 10, 2025

Neighbourly Natters: Connecting, Sharing, and Strengthening Our Sector



I hope everyone has rested well and we’re back into the mahi with a vengeance. 

We’re looking to strengthen our bonds with you and between all our members – finding ways to connect, share, collaborate whilst keeping within our tight operating parameters. Big words I know – but its 2025.  We’ve been talking with members and looking for ways to connect you all without breaking the bank of time and resources. There’re so many good ideas out there, it’s important to CNA to connect you all so you can hear them directly. It’s by keeping our ear to the ground that we’ve managed some great progress with banking for For Purpose organisations and getting the excellent State of the Sector report done. 


In the very near future, I’ll be in contact to introduce our ‘Neighbourly Natters’. Yes, everything needs a corny title. Basically, we’re aiming to have a quick zoom where you can meet all the CNA members in your area. You may know some of them, a lot of them, or none of them. Its just a very quick meet and greet to put a face to the name and a quick elevator pitch of what your organisation does. A couple of minutes tops.


We’ve come across members who find out about common ground issues and solutions but don’t realise this is happening in their back yard. And we feel that connecting in this simple way is a win/win. We’ll send out everyone’s emails from that meeting so that if you want to you can catch up to korero about any specific idea. We also feel it might provide more support – just knowing there’s another person doing the same kind of role nearby. You might end up going for a drink and a good natter. 


In this Government’s environment of collaboration and social investment this will be a great opportunity to add to any report you write, as well as what it might possibly lead on to. I’ll be reaching out shortly to sort out the best date in your region; and prior I’ll provide a very quick cheat sheet on the attendees, so you’ve got something to go on.  Any chance for a quick cupper with like-minded folks is always a good mental break. 


And that’s what we’re for (see what I did there 😉 ) 


See you out there! 

Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

info@communitynetworksaotearoa.org.nz

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Your Members Your Bricks, Be the Mortar

By Community Networks • August 6, 2025
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

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