CE Update Sept 2026
By Holly Snape
Kia ora koutou,
There is a lot happening at Community Waikato at the moment, but one theme keeps coming through strongly: what becomes possible when people come together around shared challenges, ideas and opportunities.
We saw that recently at the Waikato Homelessness Hui, which brought together people from across the community, housing, social service and government sectors for a day of honest conversation, connection and collective thinking. What was particularly encouraging was that it didn’t end when the hui did. Follow-up conversations are already underway, building on the relationships, ideas and opportunities that emerged.
That same belief in the power of connection sits behind The Collaboration Lab, a one-day hui we are developing with Creative Waikato for 28 October. We’ll bring together community leaders, local government, artists, community activators and businesses to make connections, share ideas and explore what might be possible if we combine our different strengths, knowledge and resources. You can read about it in this edition of Kumara Vine.
Supporting communities to develop and lead their own solutions is also at the heart of our partnership with the Tindall Foundation, and the Tindall Community Rural event will be open next month. The development of this fund was inspired by numerous requests for assistance for community-led events such as family fun days, rural community celebrations and summer picnics along with events that have arisen in response to specific issues. We encourage you to have a look at the criteria on our website and consider applying.
And while we’re talking about participation and having a voice, the general election is approaching. Please encourage the people and communities you connect with through your mahi to make sure they are enrolled and ready to vote too. The more people who take part, the more our democracy reflects the communities it serves.
Before all of that, though, we have something pretty special to celebrate. Our AGM on 21 September will also mark Community Waikato’s 25th birthday. For 25 years we have had the privilege of working alongside communities across the Waikato. We’d love you to join us to celebrate the many people and organisations who have been part of Community Waikato’s journey so far.
Ngaa mihi nui,
Holly