Growing communities together – Nov 2024
Kia ora e te whānau,
We’re gearing up for the national community development conference, Hapori Aotearoa – Growing Communities Together, this March, and have some exciting updates to share!
With the government adopting a social investment approach to inform its investment in social services, new conversations are emerging around measuring social impact in Aotearoa, a topic we explored in the recent IPANZ seminar we co-presented.
Check out our upcoming community-led development opportunities, designed to inspire, connect, and support your learning alongside others across the motu.
Read on to find out more!
Child Rich Communities – Oct 2024
Kia ora e te whānau,
This month, our pānui focuses on systems-change initiatives both in Aotearoa and overseas, highlighting the work that has been done and the impact it has had. Looking to the horizon and distant shores can be a powerful way to learn from others who have journeyed ahead of us, helping us navigate our own mahi.
Child and youth wellbeing systems-change efforts, both locally and globally, share similarities. Yet, each community and country engages with these systems in unique ways. If we strive to do the very best for our mokopuna here in Aotearoa, it is crucial that we deliver wellbeing mechanisms that are place-based and responsive to local needs. Uplifting the mana of our mokopuna requires layered change and engagement. It is essential that we include all aspects of a child, youth, or whānau’s life, and that this is led by the voices of whānau and mokopuna.
Read on to access international resources and register for October’s online kōrero and national community development conference.
Measuring impact – Oct 2024
Kia ora e te whānau,
An essential part of community-led development is understanding and measuring the impact of our work. How we evaluate our progress for growth, change, and impact in social investment requires the right tools and frameworks. Learning by doing is central to this, as we adapt through cycles of planning, action, reflection, and learning.
We have some fantastic upcoming events showcasing innovative approaches to impact measurement and accountability. From global insights on social investment to the adaptable Te Tupuraka model by Tokona Te Raki, you’ll have the opportunity to explore new tools and models for understanding our impact while embedding the principle of learning by doing.
Alongside these events we also have other exciting insights and opportunities to help spark new ideas and further your mahi in community-led development. Dive in!
Connection and collaboration – September 2024
Kia ora e te whānau,
At the heart of community-led development is connection and collaboration. It’s through coming together, sharing ideas, and working alongside one another that we strengthen the fabric of our communities and make meaningful, lasting change. This month, we’re excited to offer a range of learning opportunities, whether you’re just starting your community-led development journey or are an experienced practitioner looking to deepen your practice and embed these principles more firmly in your mahi.
Hapori Aotearoa Conference
Over the last two weeks, we have been excited to see professionals from government and community organisations, and those working to support community-led change, registering their interest to attend Hapori Aotearoa.
Tickets are now on sale for this exciting community development conference held on 4 – 5 March 2025, Mercury Bay Park, Tauranga. Early bird pricing is available until 31 October.
Come join other community change makers from across New Zealand who are working hard to ensure people feel connected, included, heard, and safe. We aim to release the full programme, including our amazing speakers and topics for the break-out sessions soon. We guarantee you will enjoy the line-up.
Upcoming Opportunities to Learn and Connect – August 2024
Kia ora e te whānau,
In our differences, we find valuable opportunities to learn and grow by remembering that we are united by our shared hopes and aspirations. Community-led development (CLD) is the pathway that reconnects us with what truly matters — our collective wellbeing (hauora) and the strength that comes from working together. This month, we invite you to join us at our upcoming events and opportunities to learn and connect. Whether you’re an experienced CLD practitioner or just starting on your CLD journey, we’ll be exploring how CLD can be applied in your mahi to create positive, lasting change in our communities.
Read on to discover more!
Exciting Leadership Updates – July 2024
As Te Mātahi o te Tau (the Māori New Year) dawns, we welcome our new Directors for both Inspiring Communities and Powerdigm. This marks an exciting new chapter, we look forward to their combined expertise and commitment in strengthening our mission. At the same time, we share our heartfelt thanks to the team members who have dedicated themselves to the kaupapa of CLD. Although they are stepping back from leadership roles, their contributions continue to enrich the wider landscape of CLD.
Read on for our latest news and opportunities to learn and connect!
Looking ahead to Matariki and beyond
As we prepare to welcome Matariki and Te Mātahi o te Tau (the Māori New Year) we’ve been taking time to celebrate how far Inspiring Communities has come and to plan for a very exciting year ahead.
As we close out the current year, we are thrilled to announce the appointment of three new Board members. With the arrival of Te Mātahi o te Tau, we look forward to welcoming our new Directors for both Inspiring Communities and Powerdigm, who we will be introducing next week.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of our mahi has been connecting with the amazing people and places doing such great work. Read on for our latest updates, inspiring CLD stories as well as networking and training opportunities.
Celebrating community-led development champions – May 2024
As we step into the vibrant months ahead, the team are making great strides for CLD and systems change, enabling communities to lead the way in improving their own hauora.
Read on for our exciting recruitment updates, inspiring CLD mahi as well as networking and training opportunities. But first, join us in honouring the legacy of a dearly loved CLD superstar who inspired our mahi and enriched the wellbeing of many communities in Aotearoa.
Embracing Change – April 2024
Change is a catalyst for progress and as we move through our strategic refresh, we recognise the importance of evolving alongside the dynamic needs of our communities. We are excited to share our renewed mission, vision and CLD definition with you, placing communities at the helm, driving the change that enhances their own hauora (wellbeing).
Read on as we share two blogs from our Board and team, the first highlighting our journey to this point and the second an insight into the current landscape of community-led development in Aotearoa.