He Hononga Hapori
Creating Spaces for Connection
Community work is built on connection. Across West Auckland, community developers and organisations are constantly working alongside people and groups to respond to local needs, strengthen neighbourhoods, and create opportunities for communities to thrive. But making connections between organisations can be harder when we are focused on serving our communities. Knowing who else is working in the space, what support is available, and where there might be opportunities to work together can make a real difference. That is why creating spaces for community workers to meet, share knowledge, and build relationships remains so valuable.
Open Door Days, now known as He Hononga Hapori, have been running for many years. Developed by Community Waitākere specifically for community developers in West Auckland, these networking events provide a regular opportunity for people working across the sector to connect with each other, discover complementary services, and identify opportunities to work together.
During whakawhanaungatanga, where participants share about themselves, their organisations, and the services they offer. “Holy moly, so many providers in one room. […] Really looking forward to connecting with some of you,” said one participant. As people listened to each other, possibilities began to emerge. Another reflected “When I was sitting there listening to everybody, thinking ‘yeah that would be a good idea, that would be a good idea’.”
The atmosphere was informal and welcoming, with participants encouraged to come to the front of the room and introduce themselves and their mahi. At one point, two people chose to stand alongside each other as they took their turn, explaining “We’re not from the same community organisation, we just thought we’d come up together.”
Despite running for several years, He Hononga Hapori continues to meet a need within West Auckland’s community sector. These gatherings create a space where people can share their knowledge, ask questions, discover new services and build relationships in an environment where their thoughts and experiences are welcomed. Many participants actively invite collaboration, encouraging others to connect with their services. One provider offered, “If you have a community group we can offer this workshop to, we’d be really keen to do that.”
The strength of He Hononga Hapori lies in its simplicity: bringing people together and giving them space to talk, listen, and learn from one another. As the needs of West Auckland’s communities continue to evolve, these relationships will remain an important part of how the sector responds.