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Community Networks • March 6, 2025
Hot Takes with Patrick!
This month, we’re focusing on financial health—cash flow, grants, audits, and long-term stability. But this isn’t just a checklist—it’s an opportunity to tap into the collective wisdom of our community!
Networking within this sector is powerful. When organisations connect, everyone benefits. Whether you’re a part of a large organisation with complex finances or a smaller group just finding your feet, every Member brings valuable insight. You might pick up a clever budgeting tip that’s been a game-changer for someone else or discover a fresh approach to securing grants.
At CNA we’re working to strengthen these connections even more throughout 2025. Collaboration creates space to openly share experiences. Our first webinar (keep an eye on your inboxes) will bring these ideas into the kōrero—because sometimes the best solution is just a conversation away.
By connecting and sharing we reinforce that sense of community and support. The path to financial stability can feel overwhelming but knowing others have faced similar hurdles—and overcome them—can be a huge confidence boost. Feedback from our last Hui said it best:
"Sometimes, it’s just good to know I’m not the only one in this situation."
Collaboration isn’t just about learning—it’s about thriving. When we share knowledge and support each other, we create an environment where everyone can succeed. So, don’t be shy! Start a conversation with a fellow Member—our Neighbourly Natters (more on this soon!) will help you connect with others in your area. Together, we can all become more resilient, financially stable, and prepared for the future.
We'd Love to Hear from You!
💡 What strategies have you found most effective for managing cash flow or securing grants in these challenging times? Share your tips with the community and let's learn from each other.
📉 Have you faced any specific financial challenges recently that you’d like to discuss? Your experiences could spark helpful conversations with others in similar situations.
💬 How can CNA support you further in strengthening your financial health? Let us know what resources or tools would be most beneficial to your organisation.
🤝 What’s your go-to method for collaborating with others in your community? Let’s talk about how we can increase our collective efforts and support one another.
🎓 Have you attended any training or networking events recently that made a difference? Share what you learned with the community—it could be the key to someone else’s success!
Ngā mihi,
Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer
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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!”
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