More Than a Kit Kat: Why Taking a Break Matters

Patrick Davies • December 4, 2024

Embrace the Summer Reset

As the summer holidays approach in Aotearoa New Zealand, many of us are looking forward to taking a well-deserved break. We might be lucky enough to escape to the beach, enjoy a BBQ with friends, or simply relaxing at home, the summer period offers a unique opportunity to reset and recharge. In a world that often demands constant hustle and productivity, it’s more important than ever to allow ourselves time to step back, reflect, and re-energize. 

Taking a break over the summer isn’t just about having fun, festivities, and fam - it’s about giving your mind, body, and soul the chance to reset. When we work hard all year, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the weight of stress and responsibilities. But as we pause for the summer, we gain the space to see things from a fresh perspective. Challenges that once seemed insurmountable can be reframed as opportunities for growth. 


One of the most valuable aspects of taking a break is the ability to let go of past struggles. We often carry the weight of our worries, anxieties, and unresolved issues with us, creating mental and emotional clutter. The beauty of a summer holiday lies in its power to help us let go. By stepping away from daily routines, we free ourselves from the constant pressure and give our minds a chance to breathe. In this time of rest, we can start to see obstacles not as threats but as chances for development. Difficulties can be turned into stepping stones for improvement when we approach them with the right mindset. 


This period of renewal doesn’t just affect our work life—it enriches our personal lives too. Time spent with loved ones, enjoying nature, or simply indulging in a hobby can help us reconnect with what truly matters. These experiences leave us feeling more grounded and resilient, ready to face the challenges of the new year with a renewed sense of purpose. Because it’s all about (say it with me) people, people, people! 


As we head into the summer holidays, let’s make a conscious effort to embrace the chance to rest, rejuvenate, and let go of the struggles that hold us back. With a refreshed mindset, we’ll find ourselves better equipped to turn every threat into an opportunity for growth and renewal in the year ahead. Here's to a transformative, restful summer, and a bright start to 2025!. 


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A Response from CNA Chair Holly Snape: 1 Sector, 6 Parties Political Panel

By Community Networks • May 18, 2026
CNA Chair Holly Snape reflects on 1 Sector, 6 Parties, the first 2026 election-focused political panel created specifically for Aotearoa’s community and voluntary sector, highlighting key discussions, sector representation, and why community voices must be part of the election conversation.

Create Your Amazing Networking Election Event

By Community Networks • May 6, 2026
Kia ora koutou, Gather your team, pour a drink, and get ready for something a little different. This isn’t your average political panel. It’s a chance for Aotearoa’s community sector to tune in together, listen to the proposed direction, share ideas, and maybe even get a bit fired up about the future. Hosted by Community Networks Aotearoa, ‘1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond’ this live-streamed event brings politicians from across the spectrum into one (virtual) room to talk candidly about the realities facing charities, iwi organisations, and Not-for-Profits. With the next election on the horizon, what they say, and how they say it, matters. And the best part? You don’t have to watch it alone. Turn it into a mini event of your own. Set up a screen in the office, book out the community hall, or invite a few colleagues over. With drinks, nibbles, and ‘hellos’ kicking off from 4:30pm and the panel starting at 5:00pm, it’s perfectly timed to roll straight from work into something social and energising. Guided by political reporter Jehan Casinader, expect a lively, honest kōrero that goes beyond the usual talking points. He’s got the gumption, you bring the cynicism. As a CNA member it’s a great way to bring your organisation together to reconnect, network, and kōhumuhumu. It’s also a great way to remind your people why you’re our member and what they get from your membership with us. We’re always looking for great ways to help you provide excellent and meaningful support. Watching together adds a whole new layer. You’ll catch things you might miss on your own, spark conversations in the moment, and build a shared understanding of what’s ahead. It’s part watch party, part strategy session, with a side of healthy debate. Want to make it count? Try this: Make it a watch party: Bring shared kai (remember those dietary peeps too!), and a relaxed but curious vibe—think less lecture, more shared experience. Get ready to kōrero: Bring a pen and paper and make moments to react, question, or celebrate what you’re hearing. Capture the “aha” moments: Jot down ideas or quotes that hit home for your team; and what you might be able to put in your newsletter. Turn talk into action: After the stream, ask “So what do we do with this?” and pick one or two next steps. This is your chance to connect, reflect, and maybe even challenge what you think you know. So don’t just tune in, show up, together, and be part of the conversation shaping the road ahead. The election is closer than you think! Ngā mihi, Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

Burning for a Cause

By Community Networks • March 31, 2026
Burning for a Cause: A Totally Scientific Analysis of the NZ Not-for-Profit Sector’s Relationship with Increasingly Stupid Levels of Spice
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