New Member: Welcome to the Salvation Army

Communications Officer • February 7, 2024

Today, we are pleased to formally welcome the Salvation Army into the Community Networks Aotearoa family, having become a member late last year.  The Salvation Army is an organization that has been steadfast in its commitment to caring for people, transforming lives, and reforming society for over a century. Let’s take a deeper look into who the Salvation Army are, and what they’re all about. 

A Rich Legacy of Compassion 

The Salvation Army's journey began with a mission to make a difference, and over the years, they have become synonymous with compassion and change. Helping more than 120,000 individuals annually, the Salvation Army's impact is felt across various sectors, from financial mentoring to providing essential resources like food, clothing, and household goods. Their reach extends to early childhood centres, counselling services, life skills programs, youth services, transitional and social housing, addiction support, and even prisoner reintegration services. 


Community Collaboration Across Oceania 

With a dedicated team of over 6000 officers, employees, and volunteers, the Salvation Army operates not only in New Zealand but also extends its services to Fiji, Tonga, and Samoa. In times of emergency, they stand as one of the vital providers relied upon to deliver food, clothing, and psychosocial support. Their network of trained chaplains and community workers is always ready to step up when the community needs them the most. 


Advocating for Social Change 

Beyond immediate assistance, the Salvation Army is committed to long-term social change. Their Social Policy and Parliamentary Unit actively works towards eradicating poverty by influencing policies and practices that strengthen New Zealand's social fabric. Collaborating with other community organizations, they focus on anticipating and filling gaps in government delivery, embodying the spirit of disruptors of broken social systems. 


Insights that Inspire Action 

One of the hallmarks of the Salvation Army is its commitment to transparency and advocacy. Each year, they deliver the State of the Nation and State of our Communities reports, offering invaluable insights into key issues across different communities in New Zealand. With a global perspective, their international parent organization mandates a focus on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, and gender equity, underlining their dedication to social justice. 


Connecting Hearts, Creating Change 

As the Salvation Army joins CNA, we extend our heartfelt welcome. Their legacy of compassion and dedication to creating positive change align seamlessly with the values upheld by Community Networks Aotearoa. Together, we look forward to building a stronger, more resilient community. 


Connect with the Salvation Army

  • Website: Salvation Army NZ 
  • Facebook: Salvation Army NZFTS 
  • Instagram: @salvationarmynzfts 

 

Up Next: Member Spotlight - Tararua Rural Education Activities Program (Tararua REAP) 


Share

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
More Articles