Navigating the Tough Times
12-13 November 2025
A conference for Waikato community organisations
Novotel Tainui Hamilton
In a time of rapid change and growing pressure on the for-purpose sector, this conference offers more than just inspiration—it’s a space for collective wisdom, courageous conversations, and practical action. Over two dynamic days, we’ll come together in Hamilton to connect, reflect, and reimagine what’s possible when we lead with care, creativity, and collaboration.
Our 2025 theme, “Navigating the Tough Times: Connecting for a Sustainable Future,” speaks to the realities many organisations are facing—and the strength we gain through community. With keynote speakers including Sir Ashley Bloomfield, Dave Letele, and Cam Calkoen, the programme offers thought-provoking stories and insights into leadership, purpose, and innovation in adversity.
But the real power of this event lies in the people in the room. Through a mix of keynote sessions, panels, and highly participatory activities, you’ll have opportunities to share what’s working, explore new ideas, and contribute to shaping the future of our sector. This isn’t a passive event—it’s a chance to listen, speak, and spark change together.
Whether you’re working on the frontlines or leading strategy, you’ll leave feeling connected, re-energised, and equipped with fresh thinking and tools to take back to your organisation.
Let’s gather in the spirit of whanaungatanga to build a future that sustains us all.
This conference is for people working in the Community and Social Service Sector, and in Maaori Development.
Creating space for conversations that matter
Some of the most valuable experiences at conferences come from the connections and conversations that happen in between the formal sessions. That’s why, for the fourth time running, we’re bringing open space and participatory sessions to the heart of our conference — spaces designed by and for the people in the room.
In response to our overarching question — “How do we respond to complexity with collaboration, care, and creativity to build a future that sustains us all?” — we’ve created space for participant-led koorero that reflect the real questions, challenges, and possibilities you’re facing in your mahi.
These sessions are about more than just talking — they’re about sharing knowledge, surfacing insight, and finding new ways forward together. Whether you're offering an idea, posing a question, or listening in, open space invites you to contribute in a way that’s real and relevant.
You'll leave feeling connected, encouraged and re-energised — with fresh thinking, a clearer sense of what’s possible through collective action, and practical tools to take with you.
As Margaret Wheatley reminds us: “Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.” This is your invitation to do just that.
