Celebrating people, places and the power of community – Dec 2025

Kia ora e te whānau, 

Across the motu, communities are affecting real change in ways that reflect their local identities, strengths and aspirations. It’s been encouraging to support community-led approaches when so much of this mahi, despite the odds, is opening doors to new ways of working. 

As we head into 2026, we’ll be carrying this inspiration forward, guided by Te Tiriti and our four strategic pou: Building Capability, Evolving Knowledge, Influencing Change and Ensuring Sustainability. We are keen to reconnect in the new year through our training, learning and insights, and our role advocating for community-led approaches as the new norm. 

Your generous contributions this year have helped us shape our own practice, and with proposed changes to local government and general elections ahead in 2026, we will be asking for your thoughts in the new year on how we can best support communities and keep CLD at the centre of this kōrero. We’ll be sending out a short survey, and you are also welcome to get in touch with us directly at any time.

Have a wonderful silly season amongst your nearest and dearest and we will see you on the other side.

Ngā mihi o te raumati me Te Tau Hau Pākeha,

 – Aaron Hawkins, Director, Inspiring Communities – Dec 2026