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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Hapori Aotearoa Conference Wrap-Up

By Community Networks • March 10, 2025

Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

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By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a great time for community organisations and NFPs to check in on their finances.

Need Help Making 1+1 = 6?

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025

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!