Celebrating Leadership, Growing Together
Equipping non-profit leaders with tools, confidence, and connections.
When Community Waitākere launched its first Leadership Development Programme in 2024, the goal was simple: to give nonprofit leaders in West Auckland a space to pause, learn, and connect. A year later, it’s clear that those few hours away from daily pressures have had a lasting impact.
Leaders who took part described the programme as professionally relevant and personally transformative. Workshops covered everything from strategic planning to emerging fields like artificial intelligence (AI), led by local facilitators who bring both expertise and heart to their mahi. Leaders left each session with tools they could implement straight away, helping their organisations to run more efficiently and respond more effectively to the needs of their communities.
For many, the most meaningful part was simply having space to reflect on themselves as leaders.
The sense of connection fostered through the programme was equally significant. Sharing stories, challenges, and solutions with peers revealed that leaders across the sector face similar struggles and triumphs. These relationships have continued beyond the workshops, helping to build a stronger, more connected network of nonprofit leaders across West Auckland whilst fostering collaboration.
Participants were invited to share feedback to help shape the programme’s future. While the overall feedback was overwhelmingly positive, there were also thoughtful suggestions and ideas offered to build on the mahi for the next cohort. These included condensing the format to a six-month series, and incorporating a deeper focus on HR, conflict resolution, and compliance. Many noted the access to recordings for reflection was useful, but suggested providing online resources to support ongoing learning could be a useful extension. Importantly, there was a call to build a stronger focus on leader wellbeing, recognising the heavy responsibilities carried by those working in small community organisations.
Community Waitākere has taken these insights on board. The 2025-2026 series will incorporate these suggestions, while continuing to offer what participants valued most — the chance to gain practical knowledge while also having space to pause, connect, and grow alongside their peers.
This is more than a training programme; it’s about building a supportive network of peers who understand the challenges and rewards of nonprofit leadership. If you are a current or emerging leader in West Auckland, this is your invitation to join a growing community of capable and connected leaders. The 2025–2026 programme is starting soon, with six interactive workshops and an introductory session — all free for participants who meet the criteria.
“It was the first time I’d taken time out for something for me since starting my role. That was profound and really helpful.”
Others spoke of becoming more intentional in their leadership, gaining clarity on governance and financial management, and adding new tools to their kete – all supporting the mahi they do to strengthen their communities.
Together, we can continue building stronger leaders — and stronger communities.
To register for the next cohort, send through your completed registration form to Daena, or feel free to get in touch with her if you have any questions.