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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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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