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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Collaboration vs Partnership: Getting it Right

By Community Networks • September 10, 2025
From trust, respect, and strong communication through to financial transparency and shared values, in my view these are the essentials that make collaboration or partnership truly effective.

Connecting Our Neighbours

By Community Networks • September 10, 2025
Introducing Neighbourly Natters—short, informal virtual catch-ups designed to help Members meet each other, share what they’re working on, and start conversations that could lead to collaboration.

Your Members Your Bricks, Be the Mortar

By Community Networks • August 6, 2025
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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