Meet Our New Chair & Deputy Chair
Communications Officer • February 7, 2023
While many of our committee members of our Executive Committee for 2023 remain the same as the previous year, as of Feb 1, we have a few exciting changes we’d like to announce, including our new Community Networks Aotearoa Chair & Deputy Chair.
Chair – Holly Snape
We are thrilled announce Holly Snape as the new Executive Committee Chair. Holly is the Chief Executive of Community Waikato, and has worked in the community sector since leaving the University of Waikato in 2004. Community wellbeing has been Holly’s driving force for more than a decade. She believes in being informed about what is impacting our communities so that we can apply creative solutions to local problems.
Deputy Chair – Liz Davies
Our new Deputy Chair is the wonderful Liz Davies. Liz is the General Manager of SociaLink Tauranga and has previously worked in public health, local government, adolescent health and mental health. She is driven by social justice, and equality.
We feel extremely lucky to have such passionate, values-driven individuals as part of the CNA whānau. To meet the rest of our Executive Committee, check out our team page here.
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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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