Taking Over the Helm - Holly Snape, Acting Executive Director

Tena koutou katoa,

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself and to give a brief update on where we are at with Community Networks Aotearoa. I am Holly Snape, the Chief Executive at Community Waikato, and I have been the chair of Community Networks Aotearoa. As Ros is on extended medical leave for 6 months, I will be acting as Executive Officer (EO) for CNA for that period. 

Community Networks Aotearoa has been very well led by Ros Rice. She has ensured that our organisation is a resilient and well networked organisation. This leaves us in a positive position to continue our projects and our provision of support to our members around the country. In terms of my own background, I have lived in Kirikiriroa Hamilton since my university days in the 90’s. I completed a master’s degree in Sociology before starting my first job managing a Community House. My career has been based in the For Purpose sector, in community development, management of community organisations and capacity strengthening for the sector. I also enjoy varied roles in governance on local and national non-profit boards and committees. 

In my spare time I enjoy dog training, cooking and social events (particularly if they involve dogs and/or food). In my role as Chief Executive of Community Waikato, I lead a team of highly talented individuals who work hard to build the capacity and capability of non-profit organisations in the Waikato region to enhance community impact. Our team connects people, brokers relationships and encourages our sector to collaborate. We have a team who work directly with communities, marae, organisations and groups to support their visioning, planning, governance, operations, policy policies and processes.

Community Waikato also offers opportunities for learning through training and professional development. We are an advocate for the sector, and we are fund managers for the Tindall Foundation. We support networks and assist the sector and organisations to collaborate. Our work focuses on opportunities to create change, development for the sector and greater impact for our communities in the Waikato/Tainui region. I am looking forward to working more closely with our Community Networks Aotearoa team and am available should any of our members want to reach out.

Ngā mihi nui, 

Holly