A powerful message can be delivered in many different ways. It may come through the impassioned speech of a charismatic political or religious leader speaking to an audience eager for inspiration. It may also be expressed through a thoughtful Professor or lecturer sharing knowledge with master’s students hungry to learn. In every case, the effectiveness of the message depends not only on the speaker, but on the attentiveness and engagement of the audience. A focused audience amplifies the impact of any kōrero and influences the actions that may follow.

When you vote, you’re making sure your voice is heard.

The idea of storytelling can feel intimidating. It can conjure those people who can spin a classic yarn, hit the perfect little detail or punchline at the exact right moment, and have us leaning in for more.

But really, we're telling stories all the time.

Farewell from Community Waikato Chairperson Jenny Nand

One of the most powerful tools we have is our voice. Whether that voice is used to advocate for your community, influence local decision-making, or ensure your organisation is run in a way that truly reflects its values, it matters.

This November, people from across the for-purpose sector will come together at the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton for our two-day conference, Navigating the Tough Times: Connecting for a Sustainable Future. At the heart of this event is our guiding question: How do we respond to complexity with collaboration, care, and creativity to build a future that sustains us all?

Since 2021, Pukete Neighbourhood House proudly provided healthy school lunches through a Ministry of Education initiative, ensuring tamariki in our community received nutritious meals every day. By May 2024, we were thrilled to receive a two-year extension. As a result, we expanded our team, leased extra kitchen space, and invested in scaling up operations.

But then came October 2024. Without warning, the government rescinded its promise. The contract was terminated, leaving us just six weeks to pivot. The human cost of this sudden change was enormous, but the organisational impact is significant.

Following release of a new tax policy work programme in November 2024, which listed “reviewing elements of charities and not-for-profits” as a line item under “Integrity of the tax system”, the Finance Minister stated in December 2024 that tax changes for charities, and “closing of loopholes”, will be announced in May’s Budget. Out of concern that the first the charitable sector might hear about what was actually proposed would be on the introduction of a Bill into Parliament on Budget day, much work went on behind the scenes seeking to persuade the Government to consult with the charitable sector before any decisions were made.

If your group is an incorporated society, now is the time to prepare for re-registration under the new Incorporated Societies Act 2022, which came into effect on 5 October 2023. All existing societies must reregister by 5 April 2026 or they risk being removed from the register.

It continues to be a challenging time for our sector, and we know many of you are feeling the pressure. At Community Waikato, we’re still primarily working from home, but our services remain uninterrupted. The team is as committed as ever and keen to get out and connect with you kanohi ki te kanohi where possible.

In a world where communities thrive on connection and shared experiences, the importance of working together cannot be overstated. Auahatanga ki te Kaainga, a Vital Impact Grant-funded project by WEL Energy Trust, is an example of the power of collaboration. Led by Creative Waikato in partnership with Community Waikato, this initiative weaves together artists, community organisations, and Whaanau to achieve meaningful social impact in Hamilton's neighbourhoods.

For community organisations across Aotearoa, cultural competency is not just an aspiration—it is a vital foundation for meaningful relationships and lasting outcomes. Embedding Te Ao Maaori into our everyday mahi creates spaces where whaanau feel valued, connected, and empowered to thrive.

There is a lot of change affecting the charitable sector at the moment.

This year is shaping up to be one of change and opportunity for Community Waikato and the wider sector.

Throughout September you will have seen all the major charities advertising on TV, radio, newspaper, magazines and social media asking for people to consider leaving them in gift in their will this Wills Month.

Purpose-driven organisations, like community groups and non-profits, need to look after their intellectual property (IP) to safeguard and make the most of their knowledge, innovations, and resources that help them achieve their mission.

By following good practices for managing IP, organisations can maintain control over these assets while ensuring they align with their long-term goals.

Here are some key ways to sustainably manage IP:

For-purpose organisations are the heart of many communities, addressing local needs and creating lasting impact. However, staying financially sustainable is an ongoing challenge.

As we approach the end of what has been a challenging but productive year, I want to take a moment to reflect on our journey and share some key updates.

The future is not something we enter; the future is something we create.  And there cannot be a future without a past (Sir Mason Durie, 2009, 2021).  The challenge, for all of us who live in this beautiful country, is to develop a shared future for Aotearoa where all can live peacefully, have a sense of belonging and celebrate our unique cultural heritages