Hapori Aotearoa – growing communities together
This two-day conference is focused on providing practical resources and building connections to better support each other and our communities. It aims to amplify the role of community development as a vital element in Aotearoa’s future through collective thinking, learning, and networking.
Hapori Aotearoa – growing communities together
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at Hapori Aotearoa in Tauranga! Over two incredible days, we shared insights, strengthened connections, and explored new ways to grow community-led development across Aotearoa. Your energy, ideas, and commitment made this gathering truly special!
Your thoughts help shape future events. A big mihi to those who have already completed our evaluation survey. If you haven’t yet, we’d appreciate a few minutes of your time to share your experience: Hapori Aotearoa 2025 – Evaluation Feedback Survey
Over the next week or so, we’ll be putting together key takeaways, presentation slides, and a gallery of moments from the event. These will be available here. You can sign up to the Inspiring Communities newsletter and we’ll let you know once they are live.
Looking ahead to 2027
We’re already looking forward to the next Hapori Aotearoa in Ōtautahi Christchurch in two years. We hope to see you there!
Hapori Aotearoa is a national networking and professional development opportunity for community development professionals, and others working in the community wellbeing space.
The two-day conference is packed with inspiring speakers, skill-based workshops, and thought-provoking sessions. Our 2025 core themes covered innovation, collaboration, and embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in community development.
Tuesday 4th – Wednesday 5th March 2025
Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga
2025 Keynote Speakers:
We are pleased to announce our international keynote speaker, social philosopher Roman Krznaric.
Drawing on his own writings, Roman argues that community development needs to be guided by a deep sense of inter-generational wisdom, as well as the power of conversation to forge community connection.
Roman’s keynote will suggest for the capacity of community development to rise to 21st century challenges, we need to use inspiring examples throughout global history, to envision a future where we meet the needs of everyone within ecological boundaries.
You can read more about Roman at www.romankrznaric.com/about
We can’t wait to hear from our kiwi keynote, inspirational speaker, Genesis Te Kuru White (Ngāti Pūkeko, Ngāti Awa, Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Manawa, Te Tini o Meketu)
Genesis was two years old when his father, Black Power leader Whitiaua Sonny White, decided that he wanted change for his whānau.
Living and working and Whakatāne, his is a story of empowerment through the reclaiming of Māori identity and reindigenisation of community.
He has recently completed a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Waikato in Te Reo Māori & Māori and Indigenous Studies.
Dave Letele also known as “The Brown Buttabean” is a community leader, life coach, and motivational speaker based in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland.
With a background as a professional boxer and rugby league player, Dave has transformed his life and now dedicates his efforts to uplifting Pacific and Māori communities. Through his organisation, Brown Buttabean Motivation (BBM), he offers free boot camps across Auckland, helping thousands adopt healthier lifestyles and combat obesity. Dave’s outspoken leadership and personal journey from adversity to inspiration demonstrate that with the right support, dedication, and community, negative cycles can be broken.
His lived experience and thought-provoking perspectives will be a highlight of an incredible lineup of presenters you won’t want to miss!
Meet your MC’s:
We’re excited to have Josh Te Kani (Waitaha, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, Ngāti Porou, Te Whakatōhea, Te Āti Haunui-ā-Pāpārangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa) as one of our MCs for the Haopri Aotearoa Conference, alongside the incredible Kerri Price!
Born and raised in Tauranga, Josh is a broadcaster, storyteller, and cultural advocate with a deep passion for connecting people through kōrero and kaupapa that uplift Māori and community voices. From award-winning work in radio to co-founding Noa Blanket Co, his mahi weaves together identity, resilience, and the power of meaningful conversations.
Alongside Josh, Kerri will bring her expertise in facilitation, leadership and community connection to the stage. With their combined energy, wisdom and warmth, they’ll guide us through an incredible few days of learning, sharing, and whakawhanaungatanga.
Programme Design Frame:
We have framed a participatory programme around three key streams:
Speakers:
DAY 1 – BREAK OUT SESSION 1
Pā Ropata (Rob
McGowan) –
Tiwaiwaka
Pā Ropata (Rob McGowan) is a highly regarded authority on rongoā Māori (traditional Māori medicine) and conservation. With a deep commitment to restoring and revitalising rongoā practices, he has played a pivotal role in bridging Western science and Mātauranga Māori in environmental management. His extensive work includes supporting kawenata (covenants) on Māori-owned land through Ngā Whenua Rāhui, advising government agencies and contributing to research and education initiatives.
As the founder of Tiwaiwaka, Pā is dedicated to healing the mauri of the whenua, believing that when the land is well, the people are well. His knowledge and leadership continue to influence conservation, Māori health and community development across Aotearoa.
Making the
Treaty live
Belinda Gorman
– Consultant
As one of the first speakers on day 1 of the Hapori Aotearoa conference, we’re thrilled to introduce Belinda Gorman, a seasoned collaboration and partnering practitioner with over 15 years of experience working across public, private, and community sectors.
Belinda’s passion for building partnerships that harness empathy, openness and curiosity promises to inspire us all as we explore solutions to pressing social and environmental challenges.
Brokering
collaboration
Pippa Coombes
– Live Well Waihi
Community-led change thrives when passionate individuals step up to make a difference. Pippa Coombes is one of those people, dedicating her time and expertise to strengthening connections and sustainability in Waihī Beach.
Pippa brings over 25 years of governance experience and returned to her tūrangawaewae in Waihī Beach in 2015. Alongside her partner, she runs a local hospitality business and devotes much of her time to volunteering for kaitiakitanga and sustainability initiatives.
As a founding member of the Live Well Waihī Beach Steering Committee, Pippa took on the role of Environmental Coordinator to ensure the kaupapa delivers meaningful outcomes for Waihī Beach and its vibrant hapori. She has been instrumental in establishing a Trust that empowers the hapori whānui to access funding for community-led development projects.
A passionate advocate for uniting Waihī Beach’s diverse community and fostering kotahitanga, Pippa will share her insights at Hapori Aotearoa on how collective action can create lasting impact.
Neighbourhood
building
Ian Telfer – South
Dunedin Future
Ian Telfer leads communications and community engagement for the South Dunedin Future programme, Dunedin’s largest climate adaptation initiative. With a decade of experience as a journalist at Radio New Zealand, Ian brings extensive expertise in community-led development, strategy formulation, and science communication within public and social sector organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia.
The South Dunedin Future programme is a collaborative effort between the Dunedin City Council and the Otago Regional Council. It focuses on addressing climate change and flooding challenges in South Dunedin, with a goal to develop a comprehensive adaptation plan by 2026. The programme works closely with local communities to create sustainable solutions for the area’s environmental challenges.
Environmental
resilience
Ness Radich –
The Learning
Environment
We’re so excited to welcome Ness Radich to the Hapori Conference 2025! Ness is the Community Engagement and Operations Coordinator for the Learning Environment, an educational charity close to her heart, focusing on youth, the environment, and mental wellbeing.
Based on 72 hectares of stunning forest-farm, the ancestral lands of Te Atihaunui-a-Pāpārangi, Ngā Paerangi, and Ngā Raurum, Ness has spent the last five years helping bring this kaupapa to life. She works closely with kaupapa Māori and community organisations to create powerful learning opportunities that foster resilience and wellbeing in communities.
Ness is looking forward to connecting with this awesome hapori and sharing her journey, insights, and passion at the conference. We know you’ll leave feeling inspired by her mahi and her deep commitment to making a difference.
Environmental
resilience
Open Spaces session
DAY 1 – BREAK OUT SESSION 2
Jade Tang Taylor
It is such a pleasure for us to introduce Jade Tang Taylor, a creative social entrepreneur who’s passionate about bringing people together to design better futures. Jade works across different sectors, communities and cultures, helping others collaborate, co-create and problem-solve using design thinking, systems thinking and futures thinking.
Wearing many hats Jade is an Innovation Advisor & Facilitator at academyEX, a Fractional Director at ThinkPlace | Wahi Whakaaro and Co-Founder & Director of Speculative Futures Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. She also gives back by serving on community boards, is an Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF) Fellow and is involved in SASS (Systems-change Advocacy, Support, and Solidarity). Most importantly though, Jade is a proud working mum, balancing her passion for change with family life.
Foresight and futures thinking 101
Donna Provoost – Powerdigm
Donna Provoost needs no introduction to many of you, having been an integral part of Inspiring Communities for over a decade and a longstanding member of our board. We welcome Donna as a presenter at the Hapori Aotearoa conference next March. Donna’s presentation promises to be insightful and inspiring, offering fresh perspectives for tackling complex challenges.
As the Director of Powerdigm the research and consultancy arm of Inspiring Communities, Donna combines her expertise as an economist and researcher with a passion for practical, people-centered solutions. With a career spanning socio-economic consultancy, public sector policy, and strategy leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and innovative thinking to her work.
Evaluating impact and demonstrating value of community development mahi
Amy Board and Team
We’re excited to welcome Amy Board and her team for a kōrero on COLAB Community Trust, Te Puke Kai Resilience Group, and the Mana Kai Mana Ora Regional Kai Resilience Network. COLAB is a community-led collective driving sustainable, positive change in Te Puke and Maketu, strengthening youth development, housing, transport, community cohesion, and kai resilience.
From community gardens and pātaka kai to polyculture gardening in schools, the Te Puke Kai Resilience Group is bringing people together to build food security and local growing initiatives. Through Mana Kai Mana Ora, over 200 kai champions are working to ensure everyone has access to healthy, culturally appropriate, and affordable kai.
Building from local strengths and assets
Ruth Nonu – Community wealth building in Porirua
Meet Ruth Nonu, one of our inspiring speakers in the “Learning by Doing” stream at Hapori Aotearoa 2025. Ruth leads local economies mahi at Te Hiko Centre for Community Innovation in Porirua East, where she facilitates the Good Cents Programme, coordinates the Porirua Wealth Pool, and oversees the Porirua Timebank.
A proud Samoan woman with aiga at her heart, Ruth’s journey from mamae (pain) to aroha (love) shapes her compassionate approach to supporting whānau as the experts in their own lives. Don’t miss her session, Money Doesn’t Make the World Go Around, People Do!
Building from local strengths and assets
Leon Wharekura – Matawhaanui Trust
A passionate advocate for youth leadership and community resilience, Leon is from Ngāti Whawhaakia (Waikato) and Ngāti Ruanui (Taranaki ki te Tonga). As the Pou Haapori – Community Engagement/ Communications at Matawhaanui Trust, based in Raahui Pookeka (Huntly), Leon is committed to empowering rangatahi to embrace their cultural heritage and become confident, resilient leaders.
With a wealth of experience in youth justice, community development and iwi leadership, Leon’s insights into nurturing the next generation of youth leaders will be invaluable for all attendees.
Youth leadership and resilience
Megan Williams and Mark Inman – Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust
Joining our esteemed lineup of speakers at Hapori Aotearoa are Megan Williams and Mark Inman from the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust.
Megan is a Registered Psychologist at the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust, where she supports young people in Tauranga and surrounding communities. With experience across Oranga Tamariki (Youth Justice), New Zealand Police and private practice, Megan brings a deep understanding of youth development and wellbeing. She is part of a multidisciplinary team at Youth Central, a purpose-built facility offering values-based programmes to enhance resilience and opportunity for young people.
At Hapori Aotearoa, Megan will present alongside Mark Inman, sharing insights into their work empowering rangatahi. Mark Inman is the Operations Manager at the Bay of Plenty Youth Development Trust, leading programs like Imagine Believe Achieve and the Tauranga Boxing Academy to empower young people. He also serves on the Whakatāne Ōhope Community Board, supporting local initiatives and youth development.
Come and meet Megan and Mark at Hapori Aotearoa, as they share insights on fostering resilience and creating positive change.
Youth leadership and resilience
Peter Boyd – WildRoots Strategic
We are delighted to introduce the incredible Peter Boyd, who will be joining us as a facilitator for the Future Focus Sessions.
Peter brings over a decade of experience in community development, working across both the community and public sectors. Passionate about bridging the gap between communities and decision-makers, he is committed to fostering more intentional and impactful outcomes. His work emphasises the importance of local government in supporting thriving communities, ensuring that policies and initiatives align with the aspirations of the people they serve.
Having held key community roles with Stratford District Council, Taupō District Council and now City of Moreton Bay in Queensland, Peter is a strong advocate for the role of community development in local government. He believes that a deep, contextual understanding of communities leads to better council decision-making and stronger local outcomes.
Powering up communities in
times of uncertainty and change
Seed speakers:
Paula Naude – Tauranga City Council
Jodie Rickard – Western Bay of Plenty District Council
Clare Lundon – Consultant
Meet Clare Lundon who will be one of the facilitators for the Future Focus Sessions at Hapori Aotearoa.
Clare brings over two decades of experience in connecting communities with local government, making complex projects accessible and meaningful for all. She is passionate about helping local government teams engage with diverse communities, especially those whose voices are often unheard.
Through her roles with Wellington’s Pacific Advisory Board, Youth Council, and Multi-Cultural Council, Clare has built lasting relationships across many communities.
Known for her thoughtful listening and problem-solving skills, she develops solutions that work for both people and the environment. Her experience in local government and the not-for-profit sector reinforces her belief that when everyone’s voice is included, better outcomes follow.
Powering up communities in
times of uncertainty and change
Seed speakers:
Paula Naude – Tauranga City Council
Jodie Rickard – Western Bay of Plenty District Council
NETWORKING SESSION – DRINKS AND NIBBLES
Carly Shorter – Communicate Powerfully
We’re excited to have Carly Shorter joining us at the Hapori Aotearoa 2025 Conference, bringing her expertise in communication and self-leadership. With a background in radio broadcasting, Carly understands the power of effective messaging and how to engage an audience with confidence and clarity.
As the founder of Communicate Powerfully, Carly helps individuals and organisations develop their speaking skills, whether presenting to a team, a public forum, or delivering an important report. She’s also the creator of Below the Surface, a tool designed to foster deeper conversations and meaningful interactions.
Keep an eye on the clock for 4:45 pm during the networking session on Day 1, as Carly facilitates a kōrero on how to communicate powerfully, helping you make every opportunity to speak count!
DAY 2 – BREAK OUT SESSION 3
Eruini Hawke – Hautū Waka
We’re proud to introduce Eruini Hawke who will be presenting at Hapori Aotearoa 2025.
Eruini is the Mātauranga Māori Capability Lead at the Auckland Co-Design Lab, bringing over 20 years of experience in ecological restoration, conservation, and biodiversity care. As a kaitiaki (cultural guardian), his work is guided by mātauranga Māori and the teachings of his tūpuna, reflecting a deep connection to the taiao and a commitment to community wellbeing.
Raised on his ancestral lands in Tāmaki Makaurau, Eruini’s life has been shaped by the values of stewardship instilled by his grandparents. His session will explore how traditional wisdom can drive meaningful change for communities today.
Indigenous navigation Wisdoms for systems change and community outcomes
Cissy Rock – Community Think
We’re excited to have Cissy Rock join us as a presenter on Day 2 at the Hapori Aotearoa conference next March. A passionate sociodramatist, Cissy is driven by the transformative power of human connection. Through her work with Community Think Ltd, she leads campaigns, place-based community development, large-scale facilitation processes, workshops, and supervision, and always championing the belief that the expertise lies within the group.
With a big heart, a warm sense of humour and a well-known love for donuts and coffee, Cissy creates engaging and participatory experiences that leave a lasting impact.
Community development as group work
Kerri Price – The Facilitators Network
With over 25 years of experience in facilitation, Kerri has dedicated her career to supporting and upskilling community leaders and facilitators. In her session, Kerri will share practical tools and processes to encourage out-of-the-box thinking and constructive evaluation in community-led change efforts.
Kerri’s extensive experience includes being a trustee for Good Neighbour Aotearoa and The Daily Charitable Trusts, as well as five years working with communities in Vanuatu to co-create strength-based solutions to local needs. As the founder of The Facilitators Network, she is passionate about ensuring no meeting or conversation is ever wasted.
Encouraging Creativity and Innovation
in Community-Based Solutions
Krista Dixon – Live for More
We’re excited to welcome Krista Dixon from Live for More, to the Hapori Aotearoa Conference 2025! Krista is passionate about empowering rangatahi to break free from cycles of addiction, crime and disconnection, helping them build positive futures through surf therapy and tailored support.
Live for More works with high-risk young men (17-25), using the healing power of the ocean to foster confidence, resilience, and connection. Through their surf therapy programmes, clinical support, group therapy, haka sessions and mentoring, they help rangatahi find freedom from their past and hope for their future.
We invite you to come and meet Krista and hear about how Live for More’s mahi is changing lives – one wave at a time.
Engaging/enabling higher need communities
Sandi Hackett – Pūmanawa Āwhina/Community Connect
Pūmanawa Āwhina – Community Connect is a community-led initiative within Touch New Zealand, and fosters social connection through sport, culture, and recreation across nine community hubs from Tuakau to Kaitaia.
At the helm as Chief Executive is Sandi Hackett, a powerhouse in sport and community development. Sandi has dedicated over 20 years to the sporting industry, excelling as a coach, player, administrator and volunteer. Since launching Community Connect in 2016, she has expanded it into nine thriving community hubs from Tuakau to Kaitaia.
Sandi’s work has driven real impact, supporting rangatahi, fostering inclusivity, and using sport as a tool for social change. From grassroots initiatives to national-level leadership, she continues to champion opportunities for communities to connect and thrive.
Engaging/enabling higher need communities
Waiaria Rameka and Paula Bellby – Whakamana Tangata
Waiaria Rameka (Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Ngāti Raukawa) and Paula Beilby (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Te Whakatōhea, Ngāti Porou) are Champions of Whakamana Tangata, and we are thrilled to welcome them to Hapori Aotearoa, where they’ll be sharing their invaluable mahi in empowering Māori communities.
As co-leads of Whakamana Tangata, a kaupapa housed within SociaLink – Tūhono Pāpori in Tauranga Moana, Waiaria and Paula are dedicated to lifting hapori Māori, ensuring they have the skills, knowledge and resources to successfully navigate community funding opportunities.
Their work isn’t just about funding, it’s about mana-enhancing pathways that strengthen Māori leadership, resilience and self-determination. Rooted in tikanga Māori and the belief that “Mā te huruhuru, te manu ka rere” (With feathers, the bird will fly), they champion sustainable community-led development that uplifts and empowers.
Register for Hapori Aotearoa and be inspired by their vision for thriving Māori communities.
Building cultural capacity and leadership
Hana Halalele – Oamaru Pacific Island Community Group
We are delighted to welcome Hana Halalele to our Hapori Aotearoa Conference speaker lineup! A passionate advocate for community development and social change, Hana is a New Zealand-born Samoan with deep ties to the villages of Vaiee and Lotoso’a, Samoa.
Based in Oamaru, Waitaki, she serves as the Deputy Mayor and a second-term Councillor for Waitaki, as well as the CEO of the Oamaru Pacific Island Community Group Inc. and Oamaru Pacific Island Trust.
Hana is deeply committed to strengthening communities, applying her extensive governance experience and social work expertise to support local capability and action. She is also actively involved in several local trusts, committees, and regional advisory groups.
“O le ala i le pule o le tautua” ~ The path to leadership is through service.
Building cultural capacity and leadership
Event Details:
What you can expect
- skills-based training sessions
- practical learning from 12 leading edge community-development initiatives
- provocative national and international panel and keynote speakers
- interactive group sessions.
Who should attend
Hapori Aotearoa is being designed for those supporting, funding and working in community development roles in communities, local and central government, hapū, iwi, and other social services, environmental and economic development organisations.
What you need to know
Tea, coffee, snacks, and lunch will be provided – (you will have the opportunity to choose your dietary preferences when you purchase your tickets). There will be a networking opportunity at the end of day one of the conference, so you can make those all-important connections, share what you learned so far, and relax after an exciting full-on day of learning and collaborating.
Following the conference, all attendees will have access to a report, including all shared learnings, ideas, and resources shared over the two days.
Pricing is as follows:
| General Admission Non-profit agencies | 485.00 +GST and booking fees |
| General Admission Govt, Central Govt, Funders and Business | 695.00 +GST and booking fees |
Thanks to
Hapori Aotearoa is brought to you by Inspiring Communities and Tauranga City Council, and supported by The Facilitators Network, SociaLink and Bay Venues Limited.