The Collaboration Lab: A Waikato Hui for Collective Action
What becomes possible when we do this together?
A different kind of hui designed to move collaboration from an abstract buzzword into practical action across our region.
Why This Hui is Different
Not a conventional conference. A room designed for action.
Most events invite you to sit, listen to keynote speeches, and return to business as usual. The Collaboration Lab is built on a fundamentally different model: a shared working room where every attendee arrives as an active contributor rather than a spectator.
Co-developed by Community Waikato and Creative Waikato, this one-day gathering gets us out of our usual lanes to connect grassroots community organisations with local government, funders, iwi and Maaori organisations, and businesses.
Contributors, Not Spectators: Everyone brings an idea, an asset, a relationship, or an untapped perspective that could unlock something new.
Cross-Sector Connection: Deliberately mixes diverse sectors to break down isolation, eliminate duplication, and build trust.
From Conversation to Action: A commitment to ensure momentum continues well after the hui ends.
How the Day Works
The Journey from Spark to Action
The programme combines context-setting, creative provocation, and facilitated activities to help you look beyond individual organisational boundaries:
Context & Permission to Think Differently: Grounding in shared regional challenges, establishing the case for collective action, and setting aside conventional boundaries.
Imagination & Connection: Interactive activities led by Community Waikato and Creative Waikato to surface hidden assets, challenge assumptions, and spark unexpected partnerships.
The Collaboration Marketplace: Bring forward collaborative ideas—from early sparks to established concepts. Circulate, test possibilities, and match ideas with practical community resources and contacts.
Building the Ideas: Form small working groups around high-energy initiatives to define purpose, partner roles, initial steps, and clear pathways to avoid empty meetings.
Commitments & Next Steps: Conclude the day with visible commitments, partnership agreements, and clear next steps for ongoing impact across the Waikato.
Who Belongs in the Room
Diverse perspectives create resilient solutions.
Collaboration works best when every part of the system sits at the same table. We are assembling leaders and changemakers from:
Community & Non-profit Organisations: Expand your reach, pool operational resources, and co-design shared solutions.
Iwi & Maaori Organisations: Connect across regional networks and share strengths rooted in collective wellbeing.
Local Government & Funders: Engage directly with ground-up community initiatives and explore new funding and delivery models.
Businesses & Philanthropic Partners: Invest expertise, resources, and leadership into tangible, high-impact regional outcomes.
Creative and Community Activators: Bring your ideas, connections, enthusiasm and imagination to connect and contribute.
Registration
Secure Your Place at the Table by registering below
Spaces are structured to ensure balanced sector representation and active participation throughout the day.
What to Bring: An open mind and at least one idea, strength, or asset where working with others could make a difference.
Catering: Welcoming, nourishing catering is provided
Co-hosted by Community Waikato and Creative Waikato
Principal Sponsor: WEL Energy Trust
Also supported by: Overproof Ltd, ACLX, and BNZ Theatre
Register now using the form below
If you have questions, please contact Sally on sally@communitywaikato.org.nz