Minister Surprises Not-For-Profit and Banking Sectors’ Audience

Last night the Hon. David Parker surprised launch attendees by asking Minister of Consumer Affairs to also address the audience at Community Networks Aotearoa’s launch of the ‘Better Banking’ report. Minister Parker acknowledged the importance of the report, and that that was shown by the attendance of so many MPs at a pre-election event.

Minister Duncan Webb also spoke to the importance of this research and how it will help the Sector considering the upcoming Commerce Commission investigation of banks. Both Ministers praised the work of CNA, the quality of the research, and how it brings to light mahi that can be ‘nudged along’ by Government. Both spoke highly of how impactful the reports finding and recommendations on the Banking sector can be.

The research, a first of its kind in Aotearoa New Zealand, shed light on the significant challenges faced by small to mid-sized Not-for-Profit organisations when dealing with banks. It aimed to explore potential strategies for improving banking services and addressing the specific needs of community organisations, allowing them to focus more on their valuable work.

The research was conducted through a sector-wide online survey and in-depth interviews with representatives from diverse community organisations across Aotearoa. It achieved its key objectives of identifying challenges, assessing their impact, and collaborating with stakeholders to find solutions.

Ros Rice, Executive Officer for Community Networks Aotearoa, emphasized the importance of this research, stating,

"This research is an extremely important milestone towards bringing about positive change in the banking experiences of Not-for-Profit organisations. By collaborating with the Government and the banking sector, we can identify solutions that will enable community organisations to focus on their core missions and maximize their impact on the communities they serve."

Community Networks Aotearoa has engaged in discussions with various stakeholders, including the Banking Ombudsman, Aotearoa/New Zealand Banks, the National Association of Bankers, Consumer NZ, The Commerce Commission, CAB NZ, Digital Identity NZ, and the Reserve Bank, among others. Furthermore, CNA is collaborating with the Ministry of Justice to address these issues and drive meaningful change that will benefit all Not-For-Profit organisations across Aotearoa.

The research project was made possible by the generous support of the JR McKenzie Trust and the Todd Foundation. Economic Anthropologist, Dr. Jane Horan, led the research team, ensuring rigorous analysis and comprehensive insights.

For more information about the "Better Banking for All" research project, please visit our banking page.

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A Governance Milestone

By Community Networks • February 3, 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!”

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Minister Surprises Not-For-Profit and Banking Sectors’ Audience