Community Networks Aotearoa – What's in Store for 2023?

It’s been an interesting to start to 2023. With Prime Minister Jacinda Arden resigning, a looming recession, and the continuing rippling effects of a global pandemic, the community sector is certainly bracing themselves for a year of new challenges ahead. Our role, as the umbrella organisation for local, regional and national community networks in Aotearoa is to help our members through these challenges, listen to concerns, raise their voices, and provide resources and support so that they can focus on their impact.  

So, what does 2023 have in store for CNA? Here’s a sneak peek into just some of the projects we’ll be working on this year. 

Better Banking Project 

The Better Banking Project is an investigation into how banks and changes to banking systems are affecting the work of community organisations. Just one major force behind these changes is the  Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act that is causing disruptions for many organisations across the country. 

Through speaking to our members and their networks, we’ve discovered many organisations are having real issues with their banks, which is leaving them bogged down with paperwork, confused over conflicting information and having to jump endless hoops to complete seemingly simple tasks. For example, some organisations we’ve spoken to have been unable to access their bank accounts for prolonged periods of time, causing a flow on effect of frustration and anger.

Thanks to JR McKenzie Trust and the Todd Foundation, we’ve been able to engage Head Researcher and Economic Anthropologist Dr Jane Horan, to lead the research for this project. Over the coming months, Jane will be interviewing a broad range of community organisations, representatives from the major banks, Government Agencies and other key players in the financial sector to gain a deep understanding of what the issues are, and most importantly, how we can find solutions to create Better Banking for both the banking institutions and our sector.

Want to add your voice to the research? Fill out the Better Banking survey here.  

Hui23 

Another exciting event on the horizon is Hui23, our free members-only gathering in Pōneke, Wellington. This very special event is the perfect opportunity for us to connect with our membership, raise issues that we need to address, and of course celebrate the mahi that’s been achieved and have some fun along the way. This is a warm and friendly space for our members to connect, share experiences and take a break from the Zoom screen. 

Dates for Hui23 are yet to be confirmed, but we’ll be sharing more details over the coming months.  

Tick for Governance Course 

In 2023, we'll continue to work with a number of organisations helping them to learn and be recognised for good governance skills and practices. Our Tick for Governance Course is a fun, easy and engaging online course has been developed specifically for community organisations, with everything you need to know, and nothing you don’t.  

Our course modules will be continued to be updated throughout the year to ensure participants get the most up-to-date information they need to success in Governance.  

Over the last two years many organisations are facing financial difficulty which why we are pleased to announce in partnership with MSD, we have a Financial Hardship fund available for those organisations.  To apply see the website for details. 

Learn more here.  

New Member Engagement Initiatives 

We’re always finding new ways to connect to our members, and this year, we’ll be trialling a range of new initiatives to support our networks and their organisations. From more one-on-one member koreros, regional roundups and interactive Bramble conferences around specific challenges our sector faces, we’re looking forward to connecting with our members in more meaningful and impactful ways for 2023 and beyond.  

Plus, So Much More! 

The four projects above are just a small taster of what’s in store for 2023. To keep up to date on the rest, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for our network news on our website here.