Member Spotlight - KŌ Kollective

Communications Officer • June 4, 2024

Welcome back to another edition of our Community Networks Aotearoa Member Spotlight. Today we’re taking a moment to introduce the KŌ Kollective, an incredible social enterprise dedicated to fostering the dreams, activation, and actualization of the Ōpōtiki community. 

First things first, where is Ōpōtiki?  

Nestled in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, Ōpōtiki is one of Aotearoa’s hidden gems. This lively town of 9,000 people is surrounded by pristine beaches and untouched native forests. It holds historical significance too as one of the first places where Māori settled from Polynesia roughly 800 years ago. 


A Legacy of Empowerment  

KŌ Kollective's journey is deeply intertwined with the history and values of the Māori Women's Welfare League, an organization renowned for its commitment to nurturing and uplifting Māori women and their whānau. This legacy serves as the foundation upon which KŌ Kollective builds its initiatives, ensuring that the principles of support, empowerment, and community service remain at the forefront of their efforts. 


Community-Centric Services 

KŌ Kollective offers a diverse range of services designed to meet the unique needs and aspirations of the Ōpōtiki community. These services are rooted in the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to realize their highest potential. Whether it's through educational programs, health and wellness initiatives, or social support services, KŌ Kollective is committed to creating pathways for personal and collective growth. 


Some of their services include: 


He Tirohanga Pae Ora – Community Kōrero: A regular kōrero for sharing ideas, and insights which the KŌ Kollective put into action. 


He Pou Pae Ora - A Thriving Primary School: He Pou Pae Ora is about creating nurturing future leaders who can make positive changes within the school and the Ōpōtiki Community. 


Rongao & Mirimiri – A Safe Space for Conversation: For those facing challenges in their lives, Rongoa is a safe space of conversation, reflection and guided self-change. Mirimiri is how the KŌ Kollective work with the community to help them find their way. 


Kaumatua – Wellbeing: A place for community members to come together, enjoy each other’s company and improve oranga. 


The Power of Whānau  

By prioritising the well-being of whānau, KŌ Kollective creates a ripple effect that extends throughout the community. When families are supported and empowered, they, in turn, contribute positively to the broader social fabric, creating a stronger, more resilient community. 

A big shoutout to the KŌ Kollective for all the incredible mahi they do. 


Learn more about the KŌ Kollective on their website, be sure to follow them on Facebook & Instagram.   


Share

Solving Board Problems with Bullet(s) Points...

April 8, 2025
Being part of a community organisation is exciting, rewarding, and sometimes a little chaotic. From passionate debates to trying to make decisions that serve everyone’s needs, it’s no surprise that things can get a bit tangled at times.

Hapori Aotearoa Conference Wrap-Up

By Community Networks • March 10, 2025
Last week Patrick represented CNA at the Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together in sunny Tauranga presented by Inspiring Communities and the Tauranga City Council. A two-day conference focused on providing practical resources amplifying community development. With each day having multiple concurrent workshops there were difficult (and esciting) choices to be made. The hottest topics were Social Return On Investments / Social Investment, Te Tiriti, and (no surprise) funding within the Sector. There were great speakers and a lot of table korero, spilling of tea, and sharing ideas and resources. Did you know there is a Regional Data Explorer on the Social Investment Agency website ? How might organisations use this to target their mahi and applications? “The Social Investment Agency’s Regional Data Explorer supports access to data for regional and sub-regional decision-making. It brings together 70 datasets or 'indicators' which can be filtered to meet a particular need." Another great workshop (Belinda Gorman ) looked into connecting with businesses to explore various ways of funding. Looking at alignment, how to approach and creating that relationship. One contribution we were able to make was a handy dandy doc on how to use the free version of ChatGPT to create a start – how to create a document that begins your journey on support, sponsorship and funding. Here it is – Using ChatGPT to Get $. And it was a great chance to catch up with Members – SociaLink (also a supporter of the conference); Volunteer Kapiti and Community Networking Trust. It was a time to catch up with friends from other organisations and to make new connections, both strengthening our reach around the Motu. Whilst conferences are expensive, attending can hit many birds with one stone and its important to get out of your own area, headspace to remind yourself that you are not alone in what’s going on; that there are people with ideas around you; and that (while it can be a draining experience) it is a fantastic way to recharge your spirit. We look forward to hosting our Members at our Members’ Only Hui on Friday, 7th November in Te Whanganui-a-Tara /Wgtn for exactly those reasons. Oh, did I mention it’s also our 50th Anniversary celebrations? Patrick Davies, Engagement Officer

End-of-Year Finance Checklist for Community Organisations in Aotearoa

By Community Networks • March 6, 2025
As we approach the end of the financial year, it’s a great time for community organisations and NFPs to check in on their finances.
More Articles