Ros Rice - December Journal Entry
Ros Rice • December 6, 2023
Thank you for reading our latest newsletter!
Kia ora Everyone,
Here we are at the end of 2023. I know by the time you read this, we have a coalition deal, and we know the form of the new Government. A new Government is going to mean a lot of new things to get used to. I remember last time National came into Government, a lot of our language had to change. Several of us from the 'Wellington world' travelled around the motu, to teach about the new terms and the new attitudes we needed to understand.
I remember how difficult it was for us to change calling our clients ‘ customers’. Yet we coped, we managed, we are adaptable and we can get with the programme when we need to.
CNA will try and keep you up to date if we hear of any new terms that we all need to be aware of during the next year. This brings me to something that has come up with our research into banks. We have heard of a lot of Incorporated Societies who are considering changing to Trusts. We just want to highlight two issues that you may not have thought of.
- When you are a Trust with an appointed Board, you will not be as representative of your members as you used to be. That may change how your community thinks about you, so just be aware of that change of representation.
- Due to the Anti-money laundering Act, any organisation (whether you have been part of your Bank for years or not), who calls itself a Trust, will come under what is called Enhanced Customer Due Diligence (or ECDD). The requirements of ECDD are that the Bank is required to:
- Obtain identity proof of all those on your Governance Board, and also staff who handle the bank account.
- To identify and verify the arrangements to know who are the beneficial owner(s) so that they can make decisions about the level of risk your Trust presents.
- Banks will ask about your “source of wealth”. That is the origin of your entire body of assets. The origin of the funds used for transactions or activities. We know of a Community Library that was asked for proof of how they funded all the library books. (although this was a bit extreme. It can happen.)
- Banks will also want to know about your “source of funds”. You will need to provide proof.
- There are other measures too. But this is simply so you are prepared for a different trip to the Bank than you are used to if you change your legal entity to a Trust. Take a deep breath and understand that Banks are required by legislation to take these measures if you are a Trust. Just take things one step at a time.
On that note have a very happy Christmas. Here after such a busy year, we are all very tired, and I plan to sleep the holidays away. Do what you need to for yourself, and come back refreshed and relaxed for a new 2024.
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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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