Hub for leaders

Mā mua ka kite a muri, mā muri ka ora a mua.

Those who lead give sight to those who follow, those who follow give life to those who lead.

This whakataukī (proverb) speaks to the need for leaders to have vision and the ability to mobilise their communities. Community organisations, by definition, are kaupapa (purpose) driven.

Leaders in this sector, tend to also be kaupapa-driven and must not only build and steer their waka but also attract people on board to help paddle (do the mahi).

A waka without a steerer has no direction. Equally a waka without paddlers is not going far. The leadership challenge is magnified in the community sector when the kaupapa are typically huge and resources are typically small.

Feedback from the sector tells us that you find it hard to see yourself reflected in conventional and corporate leadership places and spaces. This hub aims to help fill that gap by supporting community sector leaders and leadership, and sharing personal leadership stories.

In our first leadership interviews, Tuihana Ohia chats with leaders about what makes them feel connected to community and what is inspiring them. You can watch or listen to the interviews below or on Spotify here.

Dan Te Whenua Walker (Ngāti Ruanui) has extensive leadership experience in the business sector and through a variety of community, iwi and non-profit board roles. In this interview, Dan talks about the importance of whānau in his life, both living and ancestral, and how they help ground him and combat imposter syndrome. The interview explores his deep connection to community service, particularly in his roles as a school board chair and with the Grace Foundation, a charity supporting former prisoners. The conversation touches on sources of inspiration, including the New Zealander of the Year awards. The interview concludes with Dan sharing a powerful Mōteatea (traditional poem) from his great-great-grandfather Te Poihi Hikuroa, which speaks to the importance of stepping up and following ancestral pathways. Throughout the interview, themes of service, community connection, family legacy, and cultural wisdom are prominently featured.

Eliana Gray is originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Eliana has been living in Aotearoa New Zealand since 1997 and currently serves as the CEO of Girls Rock Aotearoa. The discussion covers several key themes, beginning with the importance of Eliana’s deep connection to nature, particularly their appreciation for the local wildlife including pakake (sea lions) and the natural environment of Ōtepoti Dunedin. Eliana discusses their approach to building community connections, highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions over digital communication. The conversation also touches on current inspirations, including literary works by Talia Marshall and Tina Makereti.

Interview correction - the protagonist character is neurodiverse.

Ko Tītirangi, ko Puketapu, ko Pukehāpōpō, ko Hikurangi, ko Mākeo ngā maunga,

Ko Tūranganui, ko Te Arai te Uru, ko Waiomoko, ko Uawanui-ā-Ruamatua, ko Waiapu, ko Waiaua ngā awa,

Ko Te Poho o Rawiri, ko Whakatō, ko Whangara Mai-i-Tawhiti, ko Porourangi, ko Omaramutu ngā marae,

Ko Ngāti Oneone, ko Ngāti Maru, ko Ngāti Konohi, ko Te Whānau ā Karuwai, ko Ngāti Ruatakena ngā hapu,

Ko Te Aitanga a Hauiti, ko Te Aitanga a Mahaki, ko Rongowhakaata, ko Ngāti Porou, ko Te Whakatohea ngā iwi.

Ko Irirangi Te Kani ahau.

Irirangi Te Kani works for Manukau Urban Māori Authority. Her current role focuses on engaging and supporting māmā (mothers) in their aspirations. She emphasises her vision for the mothers she works with, hoping they can achieve financial independence, home ownership, and the ability to help others. She shares personal achievements, including getting her moko kauae after 30 years of consideration. Irirangi speaks passionately about South Auckland's underrated beauty and potential. The interview also touches on personal inspiration, with Irirangi citing her father as her greatest role model, describing his tireless work for both family and community. The conversation concludes with a powerful message about kindness.

Kate Cherrington (Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Wai, Kapotai, Ngā Puhi, Ngāi Pākehā) shares her hopes for 2025 and enphasises the desire for balance and harmony across the nation. Kate spoke about community connection through service, sharing her experience of visiting a local high school to engage with students learning Te Reo Māori. She expressed inspiration from young people and communities' self-reliance, particularly noting the flourishing arts sector and Māori kai systems. The interview concluded with Kate sharing two important whakataukī: one about taking time to think things through as a source of power, and another about maintaining an open and welcoming home. Throughout the conversation, Kate demonstrated a deep commitment to community service, cultural values, and the importance of mindful reflection in leadership.

Manawa Udy (Te Arawa, Mataatua, Tainui) is founder of Ngahere Communities. Ngahere Communities is a social enterprise with the mission to cultivate communities that enhance creativity and innovation, particularly focusing on Māori and Moana Pasifika people in South Auckland. Manawadiscusses the challenging expansion plans facing her organisation in 2025. She emphasises the importance of community connection, explaining how it was ingrained in her upbringing and reflects in the name Ngahere, which represents an ecosystem of life. She expressed being inspired by architects and creatives, particularly highlighting her work with TOA Architects and various indigenous creators. The interview concludes with Manawa sharing her fundamental belief in he kai kei aku ringa - the concept that whatever one wants to achieve is accessible through nurturing small beginnings, much like growing from a seed.

Good wellbeing practices prevent burnout and promote long-term health. By taking care of your wellbeing you are making sure your community, organisation and team continue to thrive.

Here are some helpful resources to support your wellbeing practices and care.

• Unu Ora – a personal wellbeing resource. Tools and practices for personal well-being, rooted in Māori cultural traditions. Unu Ora helps answer questions such as "What are some culturally grounded practices for enhancing personal well-being?" and "How can we incorporate these practices into our daily lives?"
• Making room for joy. An online resource from Clore Social Leadership. By reflecting on what brings you joy and what drains you, you will be able to recharge and refocus on what matters. This will make you a more resilient, motivated, and authentic leader.
• Ngahere - individual wellbeing practice. A resource for guided wellbeing check-ins and grounding/de-stressing, through connecting to Papatūānuku.
• Ngahere for Teams - wellbeing practice for teams and workplaces. A resource designed to support teams build skills and practices for wellbeing and restorative systems change work.

Support to upskill

• Capability Support Wheel has a section for leadership with links to a number of courses, resources and tools ranging from universally available to targeted and tailored support options.

Funding for leadership development

• Community Leadership Scholarships within Southland
• Community and Volunteering Capability Fund

• Developing leadership capacity and capability in the community sector, a report from Foundation North seeking to understand how to support and strengthen community leadership within Aotearoa, New Zealand.
• Short post from Inspiring communities - learn of the guiding factors that you can harness to support leadership development in your community - such as values, culture, vision, relationships and processes.

Header image: by Kalei de Leon on Unsplash.