April Newsletter Entry - Ros & Patrick Journals

Ros Rice • April 8, 2024

Ros Rice, Executive Officer February Journal Entry

Kia ora,   Thanks for tuning in to our newsletter this month. 


We are really in the swing of things with planning our biennial conference for October (24th - 25th of October 2024 at the James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor in Wellington). I just want to start by saying please register early (get the early bird), and please book your flight early if you are coming here for this conference (it will save you lots of money!)  We will be sending options for places to stay to you very soon. 


It’s going to be an incredible conference.  We have the amazing Vu Le beaming in from Seattle, and the charismatic Julian Moore connecting with us from Australia.  We have already had some incredible speakers and workshop presenters confirm with us… but all that later. 


In the meantime, how are you?  There are so many things happening to our communities at the moment. In Wellington there are many anxious people waiting to hear about their projects and programmes, or even if they will continue to have a job. Last week I had a meeting with the Hon Louise Upston.  She is an intelligent woman who really listens, and it was a constructive meeting. Yes, things are going to get tough, but we knew that.  This meeting I was accompanied by Nikki Hurst, CEO of the NZ Council of Christian Social Services and Nicola Nation CEO of the Akina Foundation. I really like going to meetings with others working in and for the sector -- together I believe we can have broader conversations with Politicians that really make an impact. 


It's a busy old time and we are all thinking about the upcoming Budget.  Cross fingers that we can cope with the decisions that come out of that.  We are here thinking of you all. 


Wishing you all the best this month, 

Ngā mihi, 

Ros 


Fantastic Feats & Where to Find Them
Patrick Davies, Engagement Officers Hot Take.


Ever wonder why filling out those little forms can make a big difference? Well, buckle up because we're about to dive into the wonderful world of surveys and why they're the unsung heroes of advocacy! 


Picture this: you're sipping your morning coffee, scrolling through your inbox, and there it is—another survey invitation. Sure, it might seem like a small task, but trust me, it packs a punch! Your opinions, your experiences—they're like golden nuggets of insight that can shape the future of not-for-profits everywhere. Think about it. When we crunch those numbers and analyse your feedback, we're not just collecting data. We're uncovering stories, painting pictures, and building bridges between people and causes. With each survey filled, we're one step closer to understanding the needs of our communities and making a real, tangible difference. 


And hey, let's not forget the power of numbers! When armed with facts and figures, we empower the sector to become unstoppable advocates. We can confidently walk into boardrooms, offices; shake up policies, and champion the causes that truly matter. So, the next time you're tempted to hit delete on that survey invite, remember: you're not just filling out a form, you're fuelling a movement! 

"Many drops make a bucket, many buckets make a pond." 


Your contribution, no matter how small, ripples out and creates waves of change. Which is one of the reasons we want our State of the Sector survey out there in wide Aotearoa-world as much as possible. 


So, let's keep those surveys coming and keep making waves together. Your voice matters more than you know! 

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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

State of the Nation 2026 Report Launch

By Community Networks • February 18, 2026
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.
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