Thanks, and Use Us More!
Community Networks • December 8, 2025
Kia ora koutou,
As we step toward 2026, it’s worth taking a breath and looking at what CNA has achieved over the past year — because 2025 wasn’t just busy, it was energising. It reminded us why our sector matters, why our work matters, and why the people who show up every day for their communities matter most of all.
This year, we celebrated a remarkable milestone: CNA’s 50th year serving Aotearoa’s community and voluntary sector. Marking half a century wasn’t just about lighting a few candles; it was a moment to recognise the legacy we’ve inherited and the purpose we continue to live out. And of course, our 2025 Members’ Hui was a standout moment. The Hui was warm, energising and full of that unmistakable sector spirit — equal parts laughter, honesty, and determination. It brought long-time members, new members, supporters and friends together in celebration of the work we’ve done and the collective strength that drives us forward. If ever there was a moment that showed the heart of CNA, that was it.
Membership continued to grow this year as well — not just in number, but in diversity and depth. The more voices at the table, the clearer the picture of what communities truly need, and the more powerful our collective becomes.
We also want to offer a heartfelt thank-you to all member organisations who engaged with us through our Sharp Strategies and Neighbourly Natters initiatives. Your willingness to share insights, show up to conversations, and help shape the direction of our collective advocacy meant these projects had real impact.
And yes — there’s more to come. 2026 will bring new opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and strengthening the sector’s influence.
While long-term projects like banking advocacy and governance capacity continue ticking along behind the scenes, 2025’s greatest achievement was simply this: connection. Stronger ties between members. Stronger visibility for our sector. Stronger awareness of the challenges our communities face — and the solutions we know work.
And now, we look ahead.
2026 brings a general election, and with it a powerful opportunity to speak up for our sector, for vulnerable people, and for the organisations who hold communities together when systems fail. Our fight — your fight — is worthwhile. It is important. It is inspiring. And it’s far from over. Huzzah!
So, as we head into 2026, hold your head high. Stay loud. Stay hopeful. Stay connected. And knowing you more will really shape that support and representation
Three simple actions you can take right now to help CNA advocate for you:
- Share your local stories and challenges with us — your real experiences shape our national advocacy and give weight to our conversations with government.
- Invite CNA into your networks, hui, or meetings — a quick kōrero helps us understand your realities and strengthens our collective voice.
- Use your platforms to amplify CNA’s messages — share our updates, campaigns or insights with your communities to help grow sector visibility and influence.
On a personal note, I am thrilled with the energy our Members give to our organisation. As there’s only a few of us here at the CNA office and our Membership is growing, sometimes our engagement is our Network News and Community Alerts. So please, absolutely feel free to ask for a zoom, a call, or a visit – even if it’s to shoot the breeze and break up your day – we’d love to hear from you.
Kia kaha, e te whānau.
Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer.
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Early last week Paddy and I stumbled down to popular venue for Non-Profits, the Loaves and Fishes Hall next to St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral for the 7am release of the Salvation Army’s annual report on the State of the Nation 2026.
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!”
Celebrating the power of storytelling to reveal the heart of Aotearoa’s communities — sharing real stories that drive change, build connection, and amplify local voices.
