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
Register now for this exciting community development conference held on 4 – 5 March 2025, Mercury Bay Park, Tauranga.
Hapori Aotearoa, co-hosted by Inspiring Communities and Tauranga City Council, 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 that reflect our core themes of innovation, collaboration, and embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi in community development.
While a few details are still being finalised, the programme is mostly set. You can keep up to date with our further announcements by following our event on Facebook.
Tuesday 4th – Wednesday 5th March 2025
Mercury Baypark Arena, Tauranga
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.
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.