CONFERENCE 2026

28–29 July 2026 · Wellington

Connecting
for Change

A two-day conference bringing together community organisations, social sector leaders, and government representatives to share solutions and shape an equitable Aotearoa New Zealand.

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Presented by

Community Networks Aotearoa
NZ Council of Christian Social Services
Dates
28–29 July
Tuesday 9am – Wednesday 4pm NZST
Venue
Harbourside Function Venue
4 Taranaki Street, Te Aro
Wellington 6011
Hosted by
Community Networks Aotearoa &
NZ Council of Christian Social Services

About the Conference

Real Stories.
Real Solutions.

Increasing need in our communities has put the community sector under immense pressure. Connecting for Change is a timely opportunity to work together to make real progress.

The conference will connect members and organisations working in the social sector — sharing solutions, experiences, and innovations. It provides a collaborative space where those doing the mahi on the frontlines and those working on big-picture policies can kōrero together.

The programme will bring real stories and solutions to those able to implement change, and to find the common ground we all tread together.

Conference attendees connecting at a CNA event
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When
28–29 July 2026Tuesday 9am – Wednesday 4pm NZST
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Where
Harbourside Function Venue4 Taranaki Street, Te Aro
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Evening Event
Network & NibblesTue 28 Jul, 5pm–6pm (included with full ticket)

Who Should Attend

Built for the Sector

This conference is for anyone working to create a more equitable and compassionate Aotearoa. Whether you're on the frontlines of service delivery or shaping national policy, your perspective matters here.

Community Organisations Social Service Providers NGOs & Not-for-Profits Government Representatives Christian Social Services Networks Regional Networks Policy Professionals Frontline Workers Iwi & Community Leaders

— Opening Address

Conference Opening

Hon. Louise Upston

Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Social Development and Employment, Disability Issues, and Child Poverty Reduction. Louise has served as MP for Taupō since 2008, holding ministerial roles across Corrections, Education, Women, and Tertiary Education. Prior to Parliament she worked as a project management consultant and holds an MBA from Waikato University.

Opening Address

Hon. Louise Upston

Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Social Development and Employment, Disability Issues, and Child Poverty Reduction. Louise has served as the MP for Taupō since 2008, bringing extensive experience across Government including ministerial roles in Corrections, Education, Women, and Tertiary Education.

Prior to entering Parliament, Louise worked as a self-employed project management consultant and held directorships across property, tourism, and consulting. She holds an MBA from Waikato University and lives in Karāpiro with her husband and children.

— Your MC

Meet the MC

Rev. Murray Edridge

Wellington City Missioner since 2018, Murray brings a rare mix of commercial rigour and deep community commitment. A Chartered Accountant by background, he has spent over 20 years working with children and families across Aotearoa — including as Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand, Deputy Chief Executive at the Ministry of Social Development, and inaugural Chief Executive of Genesis Youth Trust.

Rev. Murray Edridge

Wellington City Missioner since 2018, Murray brings a rare mix of commercial rigour and deep community commitment. A Chartered Accountant by background, he has spent over 20 years working with children and families across Aotearoa.

His experience spans Chief Executive of Barnardos New Zealand, Deputy Chief Executive at the Ministry of Social Development, and inaugural Chief Executive of Genesis Youth Trust. Murray has held governance and leadership roles across business, community, church, and sporting organisations throughout his career.

— Speakers

Meet the Speakers

Dr. Jeremy Mayall

CEO of Creative Waikato, Jeremy is a composer, performer, and researcher based in Kirikiriroa. His creative practice spans music, sound art, and multimedia, exploring the interrelationships between sound, space, and human experience. At Creative Waikato he champions the value of arts and culture, working toward a Waikato region that thrives through diverse and transformative creative activity.

Leafa Wilson

A multi-award-winning multimedia performance artist with over 40 years making, curating, and writing about art. Leafa has led innovative community artist-in-residence programmes for Creative Waikato and served as curator at Waikato Museum. Deeply connected to Tainui-tanga tikanga and the rohe of the Kiingitanga, her practice moves fluidly between exhibition, performance, and community activation.

Max Rashbrooke

Wellington-based writer, researcher, and journalist known for his incisive work on inequality, democracy, and public policy in Aotearoa. Author of Government for the Public Good and Too Much Money, he is a sought-after commentator on the social and economic forces shaping New Zealand's communities.

Hon. Tracey Martin

Chief Executive of the Aged Care Association and former Government Minister with portfolios spanning Seniors, Children, Internal Affairs, and Associate Education. Tracey brings deep expertise in public policy and system reform, leading a multi-year programme focused on sustainable funding, service integration, and strengthening community-based care for older New Zealanders.

Lizzie Makalio

For 17 years Lizzie has been designing and delivering initiatives alongside club whānau in the Wellington region. Grounded in lived experience, her mahi creates safe, inclusive spaces where whānau can reflect, rebuild, and rise on their own terms — authentic, non-judgmental, and built on the belief that “by us, for us” is how real change happens.

Harlem-Cruz Ihaia

A kaupapa Māori leader, entrepreneur, and advocate for whānau-led development. Of Ngāti Kahungunu, Kai Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto and Ngāti Hineuru, Harlem is the founder of Te Kōhanga Reo o Reremoana Ruruhira, Purotu, and Making Moves — initiatives empowering whānau through personal development, employment, and early childhood education. A New Zealander of the Year finalist recognised for her bold, grassroots approach to systems change.

Your Hosts

About the Organisers

CNA
Community Networks Aotearoa

Community Networks Aotearoa is the 'Network of Networks', representing thousands of national, regional and local Not-for-Profit organisations across the motu. CNA provides resources and information to members and government, connecting the sector and amplifying community voices.

NZCCSS
NZ Council of Christian Social Services

The New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services represents six Christian networks made up of more than 100 organisations delivering community, health and social services throughout Aotearoa New Zealand — united in their mission to call forth a just and compassionate Aotearoa.

Programme

Two Days of Connection

🔔 Full speaker and workshop details coming soon — check back for updates.

Day One

Tuesday 28 July
9:00 AM

Welcome & Mihi Whakatau

Opening karakia and welcome to delegates

Opening
9:30 AM

Keynote Address

Setting the scene — the state of the social sector

Keynote
11:00 AM

Breakout Workshops

Parallel workshops across key themes

Workshop
1:00 PM

Lunch & Networking

Connect with peers over kai

2:00 PM

Panel Discussion

Frontline voices and policy perspectives

Panel
5:00 PM

Network & Nibbles 🥂

Included with full tickets. Standalone tickets $35

Social

Day Two

Wednesday 29 July
9:00 AM

Morning Welcome & Reflection

Opening karakia and recap of Day One

Opening
9:30 AM

Keynote — Innovation in Practice

Stories of change from across the motu

Keynote
11:00 AM

Breakout Workshops

Solutions-focused collaborative sessions

Workshop
1:00 PM

Lunch & Networking

Shared kai and connections

2:00 PM

Action Planning & Commitments

Turning conversations into collective action

Workshop
3:30 PM

Closing Session & Karakia

Conference close at 4:00pm

Closing
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Speakers & Programme

Details will be announced soon. Check back for the full programme including speakers and workshops.

Network & Nibbles

Tuesday 28 July · 5:00pm – 6:00pm · Included with all full conference tickets

Get a Standalone Ticket — $35

Venue

Harbourside Function Venue

Harbourside Function Venue 4 Taranaki Street, Te Aro
Wellington 6011, New Zealand
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A short walk from Wellington Railway Station and central CBD hotels.

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Paid parking available nearby. Wellington is well-served by public transport.

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Questions? Email info@communitynetworksaotearoa.org.nz

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Our Sponsors

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Register for Connecting for Change

Secure your place at the conference bringing together the people shaping a more equitable Aotearoa. Spaces are limited.

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Questions? Contact info@communitynetworksaotearoa.org.nz