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Learning, resources and opportunities – June 2026

With Matariki approaching, we’re reflecting on some of the conversations we’ve been having across Inspiring Communities over recent months.

Whether it’s conference planning, Te Tiriti responsiveness, or the work happening through Child Rich Communities, the same theme keeps surfacing: people value opportunities to connect, reflect and learn from one another.

Shared insights and community connection – May 2026

This month’s pānui reflects that focus. Alongside updates from Powerdigm and Child Rich Communities, you’ll find opportunities for learning and connection through our Building Skills workshop, new Te Tiriti Community of Practice, Community Building Block and upcoming gathering in Ōtepoti Dunedin, as well as further insights emerging from the survey.

Waiapu Kids Merivale Whānau Aroha Story

Waiapu Kids Merivale Whānau Aroha is creating opportunities for tamariki and whānau to flourish through strong relationships, cultural connection and community-led practice. Through the Child Rich Communities Learning Cluster, the team deepened its focus on whānau voice, belonging and shared leadership, reinforcing that lasting change begins with trust, connection and walking alongside whānau.

Guild Street Housing Community Story

Guild Street Housing Community is showing how stable housing can become the foundation for connection, belonging and community leadership. Through the Child Rich Communities Learning Cluster, the team deepened its relationship-based approach, exploring how tamariki, rangatahi and whānau can shape the places they call home and create lasting change together.

Kotahitaka, Ōtepoti-Dunedin Community Hub Story

Kotahitaka Dunedin Community Hub is creating a welcoming place where tamariki and whānau can connect, participate and thrive. Through the Child Rich Communities Learning Cluster, the team strengthened its focus on listening, belonging and community leadership, while exploring how the hub can continue to grow in response to local strengths, needs and aspirations.

Te Pae Urungi, part of Wesley Community Action Story

Te Pae Urungi, part of Wesley Community Action, walks alongside tamariki, rangatahi and whānau in Wellington’s eastern suburbs, creating opportunities for people to build confidence, strengthen leadership and realise their aspirations. This story explores how relationships, trust and reflective practice are helping grow whānau-led change, often through the quiet ‘seeds of change’ that emerge over time.

Creating Child Rich Communities Story

In this final reflection, Project Lead Louise Petzold looks back on the Child Rich Communities journey, the lessons learned over the past decade, and the enduring movement to create places where mokopuna, rangatahi and whānau can thrive.

Share your whakaaro – April 2026

Following the Anzac Day weekend, we’ve been reflecting on what’s most needed to support community-led development across Aotearoa right now, and where we can best focus our energy. A big part of that is listening.

Mokopuna and Whānau-led Change

In 2026, Child Rich Communities is supporting our Learning Cluster sites to continue co-learning and deepening our collective understanding of what it takes to create positive change for whānau, rangatahi and tamariki. Through shared stories, reflection and practice-based learning, we’ll keep exploring how communities can move decision-making closer to whānau, grow local leadership, and support wellbeing in ways grounded in place and relationships.

Strategy, impact and Te Tiriti in action – Feb 2026

One of the things I value most about the Powerdigm network is the depth of experience, relationships, and care our Associates bring to their work across the sector. Every day, they are building meaningful connections, supporting organisations to navigate complex challenges, and helping translate big system shifts into practical, locally grounded action.

Fill your kete – learning opportunities and sector insights – March 2026

With the end of the financial year approaching, our team at Inspiring Communities is taking time to reflect and look ahead, continuing our focus on strengthening community-led development practice across Aotearoa.

Building accessible and resilient communities – Feb 2026

Recent climate events continue to remind us of something communities have always known. Resilient responses start locally. New research from Environment Hubs Aotearoa on climate resilience highlights the critical role of connected communities, mana whenua, and trusted local organisations in disaster response and recovery. As conversations continue around civil defence settings and system preparedness, community-led, locally grounded action remains essential to building resilience across the whole system.

What’s ahead for community-led development – Jan 2026

For many across Aotearoa, this year has begun under the weight of loss, uncertainty, and ongoing hardship. Communities are facing complex challenges shaped by economic pressure, political change, and the growing impacts of climate disruption.

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

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.

Moving decision-making closer to whānau Story

What does it really look like to move decision-making closer to whānau? Hear how Guild Street Housing Community and Waiapu Kids Merivale Whānau Aroha are putting whānau-led practice into action, and what they’re learning along the way.

Mokopuna and Whānau-led Change Webinar

Hear directly from two Learning Cluster sites, Guild Street Housing Community and Merivale Whānau Aroha, as they share their journeys toward whānau-led practice. This kōrero brings together practical insights grounded in lived experience, from housing and community development to crisis response and working within complex systems, all while maintaining mana-enhancing approaches. Through honest reflections from frontline practitioners and the wider Learning Cluster journey, the session explores what it takes to support whānau wellbeing, uphold tino rangatiratanga, and create the conditions for tamariki and whānau to thrive.

Meri Kirihimete from Powerdigm – Dec 2025

As I reflect on the year, what comes to mind first is the times I have travelled across the Motu – Tauranga, Dunedin, Auckland, Nelson, Rotorua, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch – connecting with many of you in person. The challenges and successes you have shared with me have been invaluable in shaping Powerdigm’s direction.

Community-led practice in action – Nov 2025

As we hurtle towards the end of the year, we’re highlighting learning, connection and what happens when we put practice into action. Many of you are navigating change in your local contexts, and we continue to see how community-led approaches create space for communities to shape their own responses.

Weaving our strengths and connections – Oct 2025

It’s been an energising time here at Inspiring Communities as our strategic refresh continues to take shape, strengthening how we support CLD learning and practice across Aotearoa.

Making the invisible visible – Oct 2025

It’s been a busy season of kōrero! From launching our new Tūhono Impact tool to presenting at Whakamanawa 2025 earlier this year, and now gearing up to join Volunteering NZ’s Changemakers Hui, I’ve been privileged to connect with so many of you exploring how we measure and make sense of our mahi.

Learning, leading and local change – Sept2025

This month we’ve been celebrating te reo Māori as part of Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. More than a language, te reo carries whakapapa, wairua and ways of being. It’s also been a great excuse to test our tongues and reconnect with the kaupapa that guides us.

Rethinking impact, accountability and relational practice Story

This blog shares insights from Rosie Gallen’s PhD research into community development, public housing, and wellbeing in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The research underpins much of Powerdigm’s thinking about relational practice, ethical navigation, and how impact and accountability systems shape real-world work.

It offers practical reflections for organisations and leaders grappling with how to evidence impact without undermining the conditions that make change possible.

Child-Rich Stories of Local Leadership in Action Story

Building child-rich communities starts with listening closely to tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau, and shaping services around what matters most to them. Across Aotearoa, we’re seeing more organisations shift in this direction. Moving decisions closer to whānau, removing barriers to participation, and supporting local community leadership to flourish.
In this kōrero, two learning sites, Kotahitaka in Ōtepoti and Te Pae Urungi in Pōneke, show what this looks like in action.

Telling your impact story with Tūhono Impact Story

There’s more to social impact than meets the eye.
While we often focus on the visible outcomes like better health or more jobs, it’s the deeper, less visible changes such as connection, confidence and belonging that truly hold communities together. In this blog, Powerdigm Director Donna Provoost explores why measuring the full picture of social impact matters, and how tools like Tūhono Impact can help you make the invisible visible.

Growing Social Impact: Introducing Tūhono Impact Webinar

Our recent Tūhono Impact webinar sparked some great kōrero and ended up being a rich Q&A session exploring the real-life questions many of us are facing in our mahi. If you weren’t able to join us live, you can now watch the recording at your own pace.

The power of whānau and rangatahi-driven community change Webinar

Watch our recent online kōrero as we hear from two of our Learning Cluster sites – Te Pae Urungi (Wesley Community Action) and The Dunedin Plunket Hub – Kotahitaka.

Why Local Elections Matter for our Communities Story

It’s easy to overlook how much councils shape the places we live, until an election rolls around and the future of our pools, parks, libraries, and community programmes is suddenly on the line. With local government under pressure to cut back, Aaron looks at what’s really at stake this election, why it matters for the everyday life of our communities, and how we can make sure the people around the council table are ready to fight for us.

Revisiting Stone Soup: A Decade of Community-Led Action in Whanganui Story

A decade on, the Stone Soup kaupapa continues to thrive in Whanganui, anchored in aroha, connection, and the belief that everyone has something to offer. Read how local leadership, shared kai, and deep relationships have sparked lasting change-led by the community, for the community.

Exploring the journey of Stone Soup and Te Ora Hou Webinar

We’re excited to welcome back Te Ora Hou, to talk about their CLD journey and to help us deepen our understanding of how community-led engagement can support the wellbeing of tamariki and rangatahi.

Getting Local Government to Work With Communities Story

What does it really take for councils and communities to work well together?
Drawing on his experience as both a former mayor and a lifelong community advocate, Inspiring Communities Director Aaron Hawkins shares honest reflections on the challenges, opportunities, and mindset shifts needed to build stronger relationships across the system – especially as we head toward local elections.

Learning Cluster Resource

Take the next step in your community-led development journey with these great offerings, designed for those who have a foundational understanding of community-led development.

The Women’s Friendship Project Story

The Women’s Friendship Project is a powerful example of community-led development in action. As part of her mahi in the 2024 Inspiring Communities Micro-Credential in CLD Facilitation, Deirdre Meskill helped shape and grow this initiative, fostering deep connections between locally-connected women and former refugees. Through collaboration, trust-building, and cultural responsiveness, the project has created a welcoming space for relationships to flourish, strengthening community ties and inspiring future possibilities.

Tawaipareira Reserve Placemaking Story

Formalise your community leadership experience with Inspiring Communities’ Micro-Credential in Community-Led Development (CLD) Facilitation. Designed for practitioners working in communities, this program combines self-directed learning, workshops, and critical reflection to deepen your practice. Learn how to build connections, support local voices, and create meaningful change. Discover inspiring stories like Fiona Gregory’s placemaking journey at Tawaipareira Reserve, where cultural inclusivity, collaboration, and adaptability brought community aspirations to life. Take the next step in your CLD journey today!

Building Welcoming Communities in Gore Story

Formalise your community leadership skills with Inspiring Communities’ Micro-Credential in Community-Led Development (CLD) Facilitation. Designed for practitioners, this qualification combines self-directed learning, workshops, and reflection to deepen your practice and drive local change. Gain tools, insights, and recognition for your mahi while learning from experienced facilitators. Discover success stories like Guillaume Willemse’s work in Gore, showcasing the power of collaboration and cultural inclusivity in community-led development. Take the next step in your journey today!

Te Raranga – Custom Training Training

Weave your own path with our tailored workshops and training! We can offer bespoke training to suit the unique needs of your group, team or organisation.

Practice in Action Training

Whether you’re leading a community project, managing an initiative, or facilitating group efforts, these opportunities will help you navigate challenges, strengthen your strategies, and make a tangible impact in your community. Dive in and turn your knowledge into action.

Building Skills Training

Take the next step in your community-led development journey with these great offerings, designed for those who have a foundational understanding of community-led development.

Getting Started Training

Here, you’ll find foundational workshops and learning opportunities designed to introduce you to the principles and practices of community-led development. This is the perfect place to start building your understanding and confidence.

Training – Te Ara Ako Training

Whether you’re new to community-led development (CLD) or seeking to advance your skills, our training and connecting opportunities offer something for everyone.

Promoting community-led development (CLD) in Aotearoa – Dec 2024

As 2024 comes to an end, we’re reflecting on the progress and partnerships that have shaped our mahi this year. It’s been a year of growth, action, and connection, and we’re excited to carry this energy into 2025.

Growing communities together – Nov 2024

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

This month, our Child Rich Communities 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.

Measuring impact – Oct 2024

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.

Hapori Aotearoa 2027 Training

Following the hugely successful Hapori Aotearoa conference in Tauranga in 2025, we’re bringing the kaupapa to Ōtautahi Christchurch for Hapori Aotearoa 2027. This two day conference, held in partnership with the Social Equity & Wellbeing Network (SEWN) and Christchurch City Council, brings together people from across Aotearoa who are working in and alongside communities to create meaningful, lasting change.

Ngā mihi nui ki a kōrua Story

We want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible contributions of Megan Courtney and Rachel Roberts. Their hard work and passion have been invaluable to Inspiring Communities and Powerdigm. While they are stepping away from their leadership roles, we are thrilled that they will continue to support Community-Led Development (CLD) within our broader networks. Megan and Rachel, we wish you all the best in your next adventures!

Strengthening Public Sector Approaches with ‘Make the Move’ Learning Series Story

Make the Move Learning Series facilitator, Sarah Morris shares her reflections on the success of our inaugural series, held March to May, 2024. Designed for public policy professionals, our series explores evidence-based methodologies in a fun and collaborative environment. Open to people working in local and central government contexts, workshops aim to build capability to shape a more inclusive and responsive public sector.

Child Rich Communities Online Kōrero Training

Facilitated online by Louise Petzold, Child Rich Communities Project Lead, we explore communities and organisations working in child rich ways and creating positive outcomes for youth and child wellbeing.

Child Rich Communities Resource

The Child Rich Communities project focuses on community-led development in support of child and whānau wellbeing.

Embracing Change – Inspiring Communities’ Strategic Refresh Story

As we mark our 15-year milestone, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment of reflection and renewal. Hear from Inspiring Communities’ Chair, Donna Provoost about the ways we are embracing change to better serve the communities we are privileged to work alongside.

It Takes Two to Tango Story

Megan Courtney shares some insights she gained while working on “Powering Up Communities to Deliver Local Wellbeing” for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Her reflections highlight the role of authentic relationships, the significance of local stories and the importance of working and partnering together.

Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki – A Wellspring of Abundance Story

Te Puna Oranga o Ōtaki is a locally-led initiative doing amazing things to enable wellbeing in their part of Aotearoa. Their insights were brought together with our own to provide new framing and advice for how councils (and others!) can more effectively support and partner with key local ‘anchor’ organisations in their communities.

The Community-led Development Trust – Our Projects, Our Way Story

The Community-led Development Trust is a locally-led initiative doing amazing things to enable wellbeing in their part of Aotearoa. Their insights were brought together with our own to provide new framing and advice for how councils (and others!) can more effectively support and partner with key local ‘anchor’ organisations in their communities.

Paekākāriki Housing Trust – Homegrown Housing Solutions Story

Paekākāriki Housing Trust is a locally-led initiative doing amazing things to enable wellbeing in their part of Aotearoa. Their insights were brought together with our own to provide new framing and advice for how councils (and others!) can more effectively support and partner with key local ‘anchor’ organisations in their communities.

McLaren Park Henderson South Community Trust – So Much More Than A Hub Story

McLaren Park Henderson South Community Trust is a locally-led initiative doing amazing things to enable wellbeing in their part of Aotearoa. With a dedicated team of 18 staff and almost 700 volunteers, MPHS has expanded its impact beyond McLaren Park Henderson South and into wider Tāmaki Makaurau. Grounded in responsive and strategic approaches, MPHS embraces the emergent nature of local community needs and opportunities.

Focus Paihia – Championing Community-driven Action Story

Focus Paihia is a locally-led initiative doing amazing things to enable wellbeing in their part of Aotearoa. Their insights were brought together with our own to provide new framing and advice for how councils (and others!) can more effectively support and partner with key local ‘anchor’ organisations in their communities.

Environment Network Manawatū – Collective Impact, Together Story

Environment Network Manawatū is a locally-led initiative doing amazing things to enable wellbeing in their part of Aotearoa. Their insights were brought together with our own to provide new framing and advice for how councils (and others!) can more effectively support and partner with key local ‘anchor’ organisations in their communities.

Powering Up Communities to Deliver Local Wellbeing Resource

This report was commissioned by Western Bay of Plenty District Council (WBOPDC). Its aim is to spark thinking about local structures and approaches that can enable communities to improve their own wellbeing.

Impact Stories – Understanding the impact and ingredients of success Resource

Understanding the impact and ingredients of success for
Kāinga Ora community hubs in Owairaka and Vincent Street, Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.

Welcome Kōanga/Spring 2023

This month we welcome Kōanga/Spring, a wonderful time to connect with others in your community! In this pānui we celebrate some of the people and places around the motu that are doing just that, uniting for their shared vision.

The value of indigenous knowledge – August 2023

This month we highlight the value of indigenous knowledge in shaping our thinking, actions, policy, planning and our communities. 

A view from a different place Story

Last Christmas, longstanding Inspiring Communities team member, Margy-Jean Malcolm, stepped out and into a new stage of community life in her new home town of New Plymouth. With a lifelong commitment to community development that spans back to the 1970s in Wellington, we want to acknowledge the huge contribution that Margy-Jean has made to understandings and practice of community development here in Aotearoa. Her various professional and volunteer roles have seen her inspire, guide and support communities and leaders right across the motu, with her generosity of spirit, time and wise counsel appreciated by many.

Connecting Hearts: The Revitalisation of Coppard Reserve in Leithfield Village Story

Nestled along the banks of the Kowai River lies Leithfield Village, a service hub founded in 1857 for the surrounding rural and milling communities. At the heart of the village lies the Coppard Reserve—a place where the spirit of community now thrives. Through conversations with Vanessa Nelmes, the Community Partnerships Coordinator at Hurunui District Council, and Jo Hassall, an active member and Chair of the Leithfield Community Centre, we learn more about how this once overlooked space has been transformed into a cherished community hub.

Staying on the Edge – Reflections from Darwin Story

Our CLD Coordination and Practice Lead, Megan Courtney, shares her experiences at the World Community Development Conference in Darwin, June 2023. Reflecting on indigineous leadership, the progress and growing commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and decolonisation here in Aotearoa and the importance of forming trust and enduring relationships. She also delves into the differing perspectives around community development practice standards and professional qualifications, and what role of CLD has in the community.

Foundations of CLD – Online Learning Module Training

Inspiring Communities has developed this learning module from what we have learnt over many years of working with and alongside communities across Aotearoa New Zealand. Represented here are the stories, experiences and initiatives of many community-led groups. We acknowledge the communities and people who have built this body of knowledge and practice, contributed to its growth and shared their learning.

Be the Change – Funding and Equity Resource

A resource from Dunedin Community Builders

It takes a neighbourhood to find a cat Story

Our ability to operate under conditions of stress has been severely tested of late. The flooding on the North Island, in particular in the Auckland region, has spotlighted the need for us to rely on each other. We have witnessed neighbours and communities coming together to distribute resources and support.

Yes We Can. Fund effectively, Change will happen Webinar

Well-constructed, high trust funding systems have the power to create change and equity.
What does it look like then when we fund effectively, what happens and what results do we get?

Ngā mihi o te Kirihimete me te Tau Hou

What a complex yet wonderful year it has been! This year, Inspiring Communities has hosted or presented at over 70 events, we’ve had close to 3000 people participate in our events, training and mentoring sessions, and our team have participated in 250 meetings and collaborations – all to awhi, grow and deepen Community-led development (CLD) in Aotearoa.

Collective Change Kōrero 3 – a collective pathway Resource

November 15th 2022 was the third time our collective change Kōrero group came together. It was another excellent session, this time focussing on looking forward.

Tāfesilafa’i: Reclaiming wellbeing through Samoan indigenous practices in Aoga Amata Story

Tāfesilafa’i is a collective supporting Samoan early learning centres (Aoga Amata) to connect, share knowledge, and strengthen culturally grounded practice. Since 2020, it has created space for faiaoga and aiga to build confidence in weaving Samoan values into education, revitalising cultural approaches while aligning with national priorities for Pacific education.

Communities Feeding Communities Initiative Story

We’re delighted to share this story from Communities Feeding Communities, presented by Community Hub Coordinator, Grace Mua from Presbyterian Support Northern.

Rhetoric versus Reality Story

Inspiring Communities thinks it’s time to check community-led rhetoric with reality. New Zealand’s stable democracy, growing Māori economy and contributions, and relatively small size provides an ideal platform to model new Government systems. Success requires new levels of collective effort facilitated by widening conversations.

Centrally-enabled, Locally-led reports and resources

We’ve compiled some additional reports, webinars and reading for you to take a deeper dive into some background actions on this topic that inform how we look forward. Our thanks and appreciation to all those from across the Motu who have contributed to the below resources.

Training and Events October 2022

Read about our upcoming events and training opportunities to further develop your CLD mahi in our October panui.

The power of place-based collaboration Webinar

In this webinar we will look at the drivers of success and wider trends happening in place-based change here in Aotearoa and across the globe.

Thought leadership August 2022

Inspiring Communities has long pushed for TRUE collaboration – sharing power and resources and adapting systems to harness the knowledge and capacity within local places to be part of positive change. 

Feedback on the Future for Local Government Resource

There has been a lot of discussion on the future of local government in Aotearoa. Inspiring Communities shares our draft submission to the most recent report

He Manawa Māori – A Māori Heart Resource

In February 2022, Victor Walker (Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti) was contracted by IC to help the organisation with its Treaty honouring journey mahi.

Enabling Local Wellbeing Resource

We have to keep knitting across local silos, which is best done by doing some small things together – from there, trust and confidence grows.

Tatau Pounamu Collective Story

This collective of community stakeholders is activating a vision for the future of East Rotorua in community, child and rangatahi-led ways.

Training and Events June 2022

June 2022 -Read about our upcoming FREE offerings to further develop your CLD mahi.

Collective Change Kōrero 2 Resource

A reflection on the second Collective Change Kōrero – What’s emerging?

Thought Leadership June 2022

Read about the key role of Field Catalysts in this blog from Megan Courtney, dip into another chapter of How Communities Awaken, and learn more about BANI vs. VUCA, where Stephan Grabmeier proposes a new approach for reflecting on our changing world.

Field Catalyst Thinking Resource

The role of intermediary organisations in place-based social change

Field Catalyst Thinking Story

The role of intermediary organisatons in place-based social change

Locally-led Matters – Harnessing the power of collaborative local leadership Webinar

Alongside iwi, both local and central government are key partners in locally-led change. So too are local citizens and communities.

How Communities Awaken Story

How Communities Awaken is a series of essays written by vivian Hutchinson from Taranaki. Here we share the essays, alongside some insights and perspectives from Inspiring Communities team members and clips that stretch these conversations from Tu Tama Wahine o Taranaki.

February Training & Events 2022

Read the February 2022 newsletter

Embracing Te Tiriti, Fostering Community Webinar

In our first webinar of the year, we address the strengths of community-led development (CLD) and honouring Te Tiriti and Mātauranga Māori. How the strands that each hold are sometimes weaved together while at other times they can sit in parallel or alongside in place.

Embracing Te Tiriti O Waitangi, Fostering Community. Resource

There is a movement towards embracing Mātauranga Māori and understanding Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
CLD can embellish this movement in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Inspiring Communities’ David Hanna, and Pam Armstrong from Whananaki look at how we can deepen our understanding and give examples of what this looks like in practice.

December 2021

December 2021 In this newsletter, we wrap up the highlights of the year for you to enjoy.

Fostering Active Citizenship — Learning from Taranaki Story

Active Citizenship is term we’re hearing more about and it’s a key foundation of effective community-led development. But what does it really mean and how do you grow it? We spoke with community innovators in Taranaki to hear about their journey.

Shaping the Future Webinar

This webinar features the findings of our ‘Shaping the Future’ report and highlights what systems changes would help to contribute to a thriving Aotearoa

Little Engines that Can Webinar

In this webinar, we look at ways that can help communities to come together over shared visions and agendas.

From Response to Recovery Webinar

In this webinar, we hear from systems change and social innovation pioneers.

Community Innovation Insights during COVID-19 Webinar

This webinar explores how we can adapt and collaborate as the world and communities change through COVID-19.

Connecting up Government – Building Local – Predator Free NZ Webinar

System-shifting and new ways to think about governance feature in this webinar.

Power and Participation Webinar

We look at power and participation in this webinar and the issues that can come with them.

Strengthening Our Villages Webinar

We look at ways that community-led action can help enable ‘child rich’ communities.

Building community through kai sustainability Webinar

In this webinar, we discuss how community can be built through kai.

Stories of change and success: shifting towards thriving communities Webinar

This webinar talks about how a shift in how we engage with communities can create more impact and stronger relationships.

Collective Change kōrero Resource

There is growing recognition of the need for significant shifts in how we live and work, and a growing range of initiatives developing and testing new approaches, but the risk remains that these threads are not connected in this ecosystem, they are not amplified and thus remain undervalued.

Rangatahi. Community. Leadership Webinar

How do organisations support Rangatahi leadership? Profiling how young people are leading community change across Aotearoa

Webinars Webinar

From small places come big things – The story of the Rakiura Museum Story

Rakiura, otherwise known as Stewart Island, is a beautiful, remote and virtually untouched part of Aotearoa. Surrounded by native bush, windswept beaches, rugged coastlines and rare wildlife, the place holds a strong attraction to both locals and visitors alike.

Fostering Community, Strengthening Te Tiriti O Waitangi. Resource

In this article David Hanna, National Director, Wesley Community Action & National Lead, Inspiring Communities addresses the strengths of community-led development (CLD) and honouring Te Tiriti. He discusses the science shaping CLD, the many world views of Te Tiriti and re-imagines crown and community leadership. This is followed by an example from Pam Armstrong from the Whananaki Community-led Development Group.

Re-learning Leadership Resource

EHARA TAKU TOA I TE TOA TAKITAHI. ENGARI, HE TOA TAKATINI –

SUCCESS COMES FROM THE STRENGTH OF THE COLLECTIVE, NOT OF THE LONE INDIVIDUAL

Evolving Collaborative Governance – by Megan Courtney Resource

Earlier this year, Powerdigm, Inspiring Communities’ consultancy arm, supported a developmental review of the Predator Free 2050 national collaborative process. Listening and learning from the experiences of 50 people from over 30 organisations was illuminating, with collaborative governance one of the key topics of conversation.

A Movement in Action – by Megan Courtney Resource

I’ve been working nationally in the community-led change space for nearly 15 years now. Not that there was a name for it back then! In the early days of Inspiring Communities, that meant a small group of people from different parts of Aotearoa talking about the powerful potential we were seeing in participatory, collaborative place-based ways of working and what we might do to grow more of it.

I Love Avondale – A story of community spirit Story

Avondale is one of the most culturally rich suburbs in Auckland. A diverse community with many different ethnicities, cultures, values and stories to share.

Thriving in the unlikeliest of locations: Waimamaku’s Story Story

In a remote Northland community, an hour’s drive west of Kaikohe, the Waimamaku Resource Centre thrives in the unlikeliest of locations.

An old cheese fridge, part of a cheese factory that used to employ a large portion of the community, is now the central hub where a small group of committed members deliver a range of services for the wider community.

Shaping The Future

The COVID-19 pandemic is an extraordinary challenge that has required extraordinary solutions. Harvesting and documenting the extraordinary, to distil what we now know is possible, lies at the heart of this report.

Being Human, Systems-focused, and Learning. Resource

Our journey to better outcomes for children, whānau and communities. By Susie Schwartz, Programme and Relationship Lead, Todd Foundation.

Stakeholder Mapping Resource

This tool will help you identify key stakeholders, consider what interest/influence they are likely to have on your project, and how you might start to engage with them.

Whananaki’s Community Story Story

In the remote, humble community of Whananaki, community-led development (CLD) is a way of being and doing for their people and their place.

Video: The Shirley Village Project Story

Located around 5km north-east of Christchurch’s city center, Shirley is a vibrant multicultural suburb that’s focused on working collaboratively to make their community even better.

Power and Participation Webinar

Co-Matters Community Innovation webinar series brings you Power and Participation. See here for our speaker line up.