Community Waikato

A beautiful post from The Waikato Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Sports and Cultural Trust Board.

Honouring courage, remembering sacrifice, and celebrating unity.

The Waikato Shaheed-E-Azam Bhagat Singh Sports and Cultural Trust Board proudly commemorated ANZAC Day — a day that reminds us of the bravery, resilience, and selfless service of those who stood for peace and freedom.

As we reflect on the legacy of the ANZACs, we also draw Inspiration from our own heroes like Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, whose courage continues to guide generations. Though from different lands and histories, their spirit of sacrifice unites us all.

Lest we forget.
Together, we stand in respect, gratitude, and remembrance.

The Annual Volunteer Awards - Nominations Now Open
Nominations are now open for the Annual Volunteer Awards! Celebrate the amazing people and groups making a difference in our communities across the Waikato. These awards recognise dedication, creativity, and the everyday impact of volunteers. It’s a simple way to honour someone who gives their time selflessly and inspires others. Don’t miss the chance to recognise a local hero! Anyone can be nominated - you don’t need to be a Volunteering Waikato member. Nominations close 3rd May 2026.

Annual Volunteer Awards – Volunteering Waikato Nominations for the 2026 Annual Volunteer Awards are now open. This is an opportunity to recognise the amazing volunteers and the contributions they make to our communities across the Waikato

Amplify your voice through storytelling

The idea of storytelling can feel intimidating. It can conjure those people who can spin a classic yarn, hit the perfect little detail or punchline at the exact right moment, and have us leaning in for more.

But really, we're telling stories all the time.

Amplify your voice through storytelling — Community Waikato | Capability and capacity building with community organisations The idea of storytelling can feel intimidating. It can conjure those people who can spin a classic yarn, hit the perfect little detail or punchline at the exact right moment, and have us leaning in for more. But really, we're telling stories all the time.

👉 Planning for Retirement: A Community Conversation

A workshop for people working or volunteering in the community sector across the Waikato.

New Zealand’s population is ageing, work and caregiving patterns are changing, and fewer people are reaching retirement owning their own home. At the same time, KiwiSaver is maturing and the Retirement Commissioner is calling for cross-party action to strengthen the retirement income system. While these bigger conversations continue, many people are left wondering what practical steps they can take now.

This three-hour workshop is for people working or volunteering in the community sector who want time and space to think about retirement in a supportive, realistic way.

Planning for Retirement: A Community Conversation — Community Waikato | Capability and capacity building with community organisations This three-hour workshop is for people working or volunteering in the community sector who want time and space to think about retirement in a supportive, realistic way.

Your vote is your voice at this year's general election

Your vote is your voice at this year’s general election — Community Waikato | Capability and capacity building with community organisations When you vote, you’re making sure your voice is heard.

📌 We’re looking for a Minute Secretary!
Community Waikato’s Board of Trustees is seeking someone to support our board meetings by taking clear, accurate minutes.
🕓 Meetings: Every 6 weeks, 4–6pm
📍 Usually held in person
💻 Minutes are recorded using BoardPro

If you’ve got great attention to detail and experience with meeting minutes (and ideally BoardPro), we’d love to hear from you.
Send your letter of interest outlining your skills your relevant experience & skills by Friday 24th April 2026 to: [email protected]

TE REO MARIRE - A QUIET VOICE FOR CHANGE

A powerful message can be delivered in many different ways. It may come through the impassioned speech of a charismatic political or religious leader speaking to an audience eager for inspiration. It may also be expressed through a thoughtful Professor or lecturer sharing knowledge with master’s students hungry to learn. In every case, the effectiveness of the message depends not only on the speaker, but on the attentiveness and engagement of the audience. A focused audience amplifies the impact of any kōrero and influences the actions that may follow.

The same is true for community and Māori development. Leadership in these spaces requires voices that are passionate, knowledgeable, inspirational, and experienced. Yet at times, the voice must be softer—carefully choosing words that avoid immediate offence or resistance when discussing topics such as Te Tiriti, equity, or Māori rights. Often, these messages are delivered to audiences who have limited understanding of the issues. In these moments, the quiet voice must use language that encourages curiosity, prompting people to return with questions and a willingness to explore the kaupapa more deeply.

This article highlights examples of this type of leadership through the work of the Kaiwhakarite and Te Toa Horopu o Matamata-Piako District Council (Māori Ward Councillor), Gary Thompson.

Te reo marire - a quiet voice for change — Community Waikato | Capability and capacity building with community organisations A powerful message can be delivered in many different ways. It may come through the impassioned speech of a charismatic political or religious leader speaking to an audience eager for inspiration. It may also be expressed through a thoughtful Professor or lecturer sharing knowledge with master’s s...

Are you looking for something to do over the Easter break?

Here are a number of options here in the Waikato.

https://www.waikatonz.com/things-to-do/easter/ -events

FAREWELL FROM JENNY NAND (Community Waikato Chair)

As I conclude my time with Community Waikato after six years on the Board, three of those as Chair, I am filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving an organisation so deeply connected to the wellbeing of our region. Governance in the not-for-profit sector is never simply a role; it is a commitment to people, to purpose, and to the communities who rely on us to uphold their trust.

Farewell from Jenny Nand — Community Waikato | Capability and capacity building with community organisations Farewell from Community Waikato Chairperson Jenny Nand

Yes, the team were in Te Kuiti yesterday, where we met up with Desiree at Te Kuiti Community House Trust. She had prepared a wonderful presentation for us. We left with a greater understanding of the amazing work being done here in Te Kuiti.