Community leaders, volunteers, families and supporters recently gathered in Warkworth to celebrate the successful completion of the Talanoa Tupuaga Rodney Pacific Capability Incubator Programme, marking the end of an inspiring six-week journey of learning, growth and connection.

Hosted at the Mahurangi Hope Community Centre, the Showcase Finale brought together participating organisations to share their stories, reflect on their learning, and celebrate the progress they have made in strengthening their organisations for the future.

Over the six-week programme, participants explored practical topics including governance, strategic planning, funding readiness, financial capability, communications and organisational development. More importantly, they built stronger relationships with one another, shared experiences, and gained greater confidence to lead their organisations with purpose and vision.

The showcase provided each organisation with the opportunity to present its journey—highlighting key learnings, challenges overcome, and the aspirations they now have for the future. Every presentation demonstrated a commitment to building stronger organisations that are better equipped to serve Pacific families and communities across the Rodney district.

One of the strengths of Talanoa Tupuaga is that it recognises capability-building is about more than knowledge alone. It is about creating a culturally grounded space where organisations can learn together, encourage one another, and grow through shared experiences. Through a Pacific lens, the programme combines practical organisational development with the values of relationship, service and community that sit at the heart of Pacific leadership.

The evening also recognised that community leadership is never a journey taken alone. Families, friends, mentors and supporters joined participants to celebrate their achievements, acknowledging the important role they play in encouraging and sustaining those who volunteer their time to strengthen their communities.

The Showcase Finale concluded with food, fellowship and conversation, providing an opportunity to celebrate not only what had been achieved over the previous six weeks, but also the new relationships and collaborations that had been formed along the way.

ANCAD extends its sincere thanks to Foundation North for its generous support of the programme, enabling Pacific organisations to access high-quality capability-building opportunities. We also acknowledge the outstanding leadership of ANCAD’s Clark Tuagalu, whose passion and commitment guided participants throughout the programme, together with our guest presenters who generously shared their knowledge and experience.

While the Showcase marked the completion of the programme, it also signalled the beginning of the next chapter for each organisation. Equipped with stronger governance, clearer strategic direction, greater confidence and new connections, participants now return to their communities ready to put their learning into action and continue creating lasting impact for the people they serve.

Check out the photos from the event here below.

After six weeks of learning, collaboration and shared experiences, community leaders from across Manurewa and Papakura came together to celebrate the completion of the latest Talanoa Tupuaga capability-building programme.

Supported by the Department of Internal Affairs, New Zealand Lottery Grants Board, and the Manurewa and Papakura Local Boards, the programme brought together Pasifika community organisations committed to strengthening their leadership, governance and long-term sustainability.

Throughout the programme, participants explored practical topics including governance, strategic planning, funding readiness, financial stewardship, communications and marketing, while building relationships with fellow community leaders facing many of the same opportunities and challenges.

The Showcase Finale provided each organisation with the opportunity to reflect on its journey, share its story, and present its vision for the future. More than simply delivering presentations, participants demonstrated the progress they had made over the past six weeks and the stronger foundations they are now building to better serve their communities.

One of the greatest strengths of Talanoa Tupuaga is that it goes beyond developing knowledge and skills. It creates trusted relationships, encourages collaboration, and provides a safe space where organisations can learn from one another, celebrate successes, and support each other’s growth. These connections will continue long after the programme has concluded.

ANCAD extends its sincere congratulations to every participant for their commitment, openness and willingness to invest in strengthening their organisations. We also thank our presenters, partners and funders whose support has made this programme possible. And to ANCAD’s Pacific Capability Lead, Clark Tuagalu for coordinating and facilitating this very successful programme.

Together, we are helping to build stronger organisations, stronger leaders, and stronger Pasifika communities.

By Clark Tuagalu

The inaugural Talanoa Tupuaga Pacific Capability Building Incubator wrapped up in 2025, and looking back, what stands out most is the sense of connection, confidence, and cultural grounding that grew across the weeks.

This series brought together a small but committed group of Pacific leaders and emerging leaders who arrived with different experiences, responsibilities, and aspirations, but all holding the same desire – to strengthen their organisations and the communities they serve.

From the beginning, our approach was simple: create a safe, welcoming, culturally anchored space where people could learn, ask questions, share openly, and build practical capability at a pace that suited them.

Holding the programme at the Ministry of Pacific Peoples offices in Manukau made a big difference. It was central for participants travelling from South and West Auckland, and the evening sessions fitted well around work and family responsibilities.

The environment at MPP played a huge role in the success of the programme. The room had a warm, steady feel that helped people settle quickly and engage. Our hosts, Losi and Leotele, were outstanding. Every week they chaperoned the setup of the venue, ensured everything we needed was in place, welcomed our participants, and stayed with us right through until packing down at the end of each session. Their consistency, care, and hospitality helped create a sense of safety, stability, and belonging that carried through the whole series. We are deeply grateful to them and to MPP for providing an ideal home for the programme.

Across the programme we explored governance, leadership, communication and promotions, funding and finance, and strategic planning.  A unique feature of this series was the way our internal ANCAD team worked together to deliver it. This was not a siloed effort. It was a genuine collective contribution. We were fortunate to have deep-dive sessions led by Simon Ritchie on communications and promotions, Glen Hill on financial literacy and organisational finance, and Fiona Brennan on leadership, values, and the wider purpose of the mahi. Their input provided variety, depth, and practical insights that resonated strongly with participants.

We were also grateful for the session led by Lautalie Schmidt-Geen, who introduced AI tools and digital capability strategies. Many participants found this session particularly energising because it opened new possibilities for promoting their organisations and working more efficiently.

Participants often commented on how helpful the programme was in building their confidence and understanding of key areas that once felt overwhelming. One participant shared that the communications and AI tools “opened my eyes to how much more we can do for our organisation with the right support.” Another reflected that governance and leadership discussions helped them “understand my role better and feel more confident stepping forward.”

Behind the scenes, as mentioned already, this programme was made possible through strong internal teamwork. I want to acknowledge Helen Kerslake-Forbes, our very competent administrator, whose support ensured the logistics, communication, and coordination ran smoothly throughout the series. Her contribution, along with the backing of the wider ANCAD team, made it possible to launch and deliver this programme with care and consistency.

The final showcase on 21 October was a powerful celebration of the participants’ journey. They spoke confidently about their organisations, their values, and the growth they experienced. Their families filled the room with pride, support, and encouragement. It was a reminder that capability building in our Pacific communities is not only about technical skill – it is also about identity, confidence, and belonging.

Most importantly, I want to acknowledge our participants, who took a punt on a brand-new programme. They arrived not knowing what to expect, but they trusted the process, leaned into the learning, and shaped the direction of the series through their honesty and courage. Without them, this course would not exist. I hope that the pain points they brought to the table were answered in meaningful ways, and that their organisations are now thriving, succeeding, or beginning to bear the early fruits of what they planted during the programme. Their commitment was the heartbeat of Talanoa Tupuaga.

We are also grateful to Foundation North, who supported this programme from the beginning. They took a risk on an idea that had not yet been tested, and their faith in the kaupapa allowed us to bring this vision to life. It paid off, and we thank them sincerely for backing our community-led approach.

What was accomplished in this pilot series was more than content delivery. It was the strengthening of people – their clarity, their purpose, their leadership, and their belief that they can continue to grow and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

As we look toward 2026, the foundation laid by this group provides real hope for what the programme can continue to become. Talanoa Tupuaga has shown that when we bring Pacific people together in the right environment, with the right supports, learning becomes powerful, relational, and transformative.

By Toni Helleur, Development Navigator & CEO, I AM Māngere

Before joining the Talanoa Tupuaga programme, I AM Māngere was supporting a growing number of community champions and Pacific-led organisations who needed guidance in governance, funding, digital capability, and organisational development.

As Development Navigator and CEO, I could see that our people were hungry for this knowledge, yet many lacked access to practical, culturally grounded tools. I realised that to serve them well, I needed to upskill myself — not just to understand the content, but to experience the programme firsthand so I could refer others with genuine insight and confidence.

It felt like the right time to seek support because our organisation was moving into a phase where stronger systems, clearer processes, and more capability building were essential.

I wanted to strengthen my own leadership toolkit so I could better guide the champions and groups who rely on us. ANCAD’s Talanoa Tupuaga offered a space that aligned with our values — Pacific-led, hands on, and grounded in real world application.

The most helpful parts of the programme were the step-by-step activities, case studies, and the way ANCAD’s Pasifika Capability Lead, Clark Tuagalu broke down complex topics into simple, practical learning.

Governance, funding pathways, and digital tools were presented in a way that made sense for Pacific organisations, and each session added something meaningful to my kete. The cultural grounding of the programme made the learning feel relevant, empowering, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.

Since completing the programme, I have gained greater clarity and confidence in how to support Pacific-led groups through their development journeys. I now have practical tools, templates, and frameworks that I can share directly with our champions. Our internal capability at I AM Māngere has strengthened, and I feel more equipped to guide organisations through governance conversations, funding readiness, and system improvements as well as continual referrals to attend this programme themselves in person. This has already led to clearer processes, stronger referrals, and more intentional support for our community partners.

These changes have had a direct impact on the community champions and groups we serve. With stronger knowledge and better tools, I can provide more meaningful guidance, helping groups become more confident, organised, and sustainable. This lifts the quality of support available across Māngere and ensures our champions are better positioned to deliver for their own communities.

Looking ahead, I am excited to continue sharing what I’ve learned and to actively encourage Pacific-led organisations to participate in ANCAD’s Talanoa Tupuaga programme. The programme has strengthened my leadership and reaffirmed my commitment to building capability across our community. My next steps are to embed this learning into our development pathways at I AM Māngere and continue championing opportunities that uplift and empower our people.

Who is I AM Māngere?

Many Streams of Our Community Trust – Ngā Manganui o te Hapori – is a community-led charitable trust established in 2020 after many years of grassroots action in Māngere. Grounded in the principle he tangata, he tangata, he tangata, our work centres on people, relationships, and collective wellbeing.

Our flagship initiatives – I AM Māngere, the Māngere Community Enviro Hub, Street Chats, and the Nesian Collective – act as local connectors, mobilisers, and enablers.

Developed by the community, for the community, these initiatives bring together contributors, champions, organisations, and whānau to build a thriving and supported community across Māngere, Ōtāhuhu, and neighbouring suburbs.

We create shared community spaces, mobile engagement hubs, and trusted navigation support that help individuals, families, and groups access services, opportunities, and pathways that strengthen their wellbeing.

Our model is increasingly being replicated as demand for our approach grows. Working from neighbourhood streets through to regional and national stakeholders, we ensure community voice, needs, and aspirations shape the systems that affect them, while identifying gaps and opportunities to create meaningful, lasting change.

What do we do?

• Support for individuals and families (helping people navigate the range of social services, support, and opportunities available to them; Street Chats; mobile service hub; advocacy).
• Empowering community champions (connecting people to others in the community with capability and experience in navigating certain issues, systems, and services).
• Connecting the community (facilitating cross-sector engagement; bringing community and organisations together to work together; forum and network involvement).
• Capacity building for community groups (shared workspace; upskilling local groups in governance, admin, funding applications; sourcing seed funding for start-ups).

  Before making an application, make sure that the following has been checked:

  ☐ The criteria of the funder. ☐ The closing date for the application. When making the application, make sure that: ☐ The funder knows who you are and what you do. ☐  All the questions are clearly answered. ☐  The application is legible and tidy. ☐  Contact people are identified. ☐  Referees are contacted prior to the application (and know what the application is for). ☐  The reason for the application is clearly indicated (outcomes, research, objectives, procedures, evaluation). ☐  Supporting documents are attached. ☐  All requested documents are included. ☐  The correct number of copies are sent. ☐  A cover letter is included (two pages max). ☐  A copy is retained by your organisation. ]]> https://ancad.org.nz/census-2023/ Mon, 13 Mar 2023 01:35:43 +0000 https://ancad.org.nz/?p=1900 Looking for funding? We know how important it is to find the right support for your projects. That’s why we’ve put together this list of potential funders for you to explore. Just a heads up, funders might update their criteria and application dates, so it’s always a good idea to check their websites for the latest information.

We hope this list helps you find the perfect match for your organisation’s needs.

Here are some great options:

Gaming Machine Trusts

These trusts are a key funding source for many organisations. Instead of listing all the venues each trust operates, we recommend visiting their websites to get the most current details.

You can find a comprehensive list of gaming machine trusts operating in New Zealand here: https://www.gmanz.org.nz/societies/

Here are some of them:

1. Air Rescue Services Limited

– W: https://www.airrescue.co.nz

2. Aotearoa Gaming Trust

– W: https://www.agt.nz

3. Blue Waters Community Trust

– W: https://bluewaterscommunitytrust.baanalyser.com/start

4. Bluesky Community Trust Limited

– W: https://www.bluesky.org.nz

5. Constellation Communities Trust Limited

– W: https://www.constellationtrust.org.nz

6. Dragon Community Trust Limited

– W: https://www.dragon.org.nz

7. First Light Community Foundation Limited

– W: https://www.firstlightfoundation.co.nz

8. Four Winds Foundation Limited

– W: https://www.fourwindsfoundation.co.nz/MCCFCT

9. Grassroots Trust Central Limited

– W: https://www.grassrootstrustcentral.co.nz

10. Grassroots Trust Limited

– W: https://www.grassrootstrust.co.nz

11. ILT Foundation

– W: https://www.iltfoundation.org.nz

12. Kaiwaka Sports Association Incorporated

– W: https://www.kaiwakasport.co.nz

13. Kiwi Gaming Foundation

– W: https://www.kiwigaming.org.nz

14. Mainland Foundation Limited

– W: https://www.mainlandfoundation.co.nz

15. Manukau Counties Community Facilities Charitable Trust

– W: https://www.fourwindsfoundation.co.nz/about/mccfct

16. Milestone Foundation Limited

– W: http://www.milestonefoundation.co.nz

17. New Zealand Community Trust

– W: https://www.nzct.org.nz

18. One Foundation Limited

– W: https://www.onefoundation.nz

19. Oxford Sports Trust Inc

– W: https://www.oxfordsportstrust.org.nz

20. Pelorus Trust

– W: https://www.pelorustrust.net.nz

21. Pub Charity Limited

– W: https://www.pubcharitylimited.org.nz

22. Rano Community Trust Limited

– W: https://www.rano.org.nz

23. Redwood Trust Incorporated

– W: https://www.redwoodtrust.org.nz

24. The Akarana Community Trust Limited

– W: https://www.akaranacommunitytrust.co.nz/contact-us/

25. The Bendigo Valley Sports and Charity Foundation

– W: https://www.bendigovalley.co.nz

26. The Lion Foundation

– W: https://www.lionfoundation.nz

27. The North and South Trust Limited

– W: https://www.nstl.co.nz

28. Trust Aoraki Limited

– W: https://www.trustaoraki.co.nz

29. Trust House Foundation

– W: https://www.trusthouse.co.nz

30. Youthtown Incorporated

– W: https://www.youthtownfunding.org.nz

31. The Trusts Community Foundation Limited

– W: https://www.ttcfltd.org.nz

32. Trillian Trust Limited

– W: https://www.trillian.nz

Be sure to visit these links to check for the most current information.

Happy funding!

1. Understand Your Needs

– Start by identifying what you need funding for. Is it a new project, an ongoing program, or operational costs? Be specific about your goals and how much money you need.

2. Research Potential Funders

– Look for organizations and grant programs that align with your mission. This might include government grants, private foundations, and corporate sponsorships. Make a list of potential funders.

3. Create a Funding Calendar

– Step 1: List all potential funding sources.

– Step 2: Note the opening and closing dates for each grant.

– Step 3: Set reminders a few weeks before each deadline to give yourself plenty of time to prepare your application.

Sample Funding Calendar:

– January: ABC Foundation (Open: Jan 1, Close: Feb 15)

– March: XYZ Grant (Open: Mar 1, Close: Apr 30)

– June: Community Support Fund (Open: Jun 1, Close: Jul 15)

4. Prepare Your Application Materials

– Gather all necessary documents such as your mission statement, project details, budget, and any required forms. Tailor your application to each funder’s specific requirements.

5. Write Compelling Proposals

– Clearly explain your project, its benefits, and why it’s important. Use simple, persuasive language. Highlight your organization’s achievements and how the funding will make a difference.

6. Keep Track of Submissions

– Use your funding calendar to monitor application statuses. Follow up with funders if needed, and note any feedback you receive for future reference.

7. Build Relationships

– Reach out to potential funders even before applying. Introduce your organization and express interest in their funding opportunities. Building a good relationship can increase your chances of receiving funding.

8. Evaluate and Adjust

– Regularly review your funding plan and calendar. Assess what’s working and what’s not. Make adjustments as needed to improve your chances of securing funding.

9. Say Thank You

– Always thank funders for their support, regardless of the outcome. A thank you note can go a long way in building long-term relationships.

10. Stay Organised

– Keep a file of all your applications, correspondence, and feedback. This will make future applications easier and more efficient.

Creating a funding plan might seem daunting, but with these steps, you’ll be on your way to securing the support you need.

Good luck!

Creating an accountability report is a wonderful way to show your funders and community the impact of your work.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you create a comprehensive and engaging report.

1. Start with a Warm Thank You

– Open your report with a heartfelt thank you to your funders and supporters. Acknowledge their contributions and express how their support has made a difference.

   Example:

– “We are incredibly grateful for your generous support! Thanks to your contributions, we’ve been able to achieve some amazing things this year.”

2. Summarize the Project or Program

– Provide a brief overview of the project or programme, including its goals and objectives. Keep it concise and focused.

   Example:

– “Our ‘Healthy Kids’ initiative aimed to provide nutritious meals and health education to children in our community. Here’s what we set out to do and what we achieved.”

3. Share Evaluation Results

– Present the results of your project’s evaluation. Use clear, simple language and include both quantitative and qualitative data.

   Example:

– “We’re thrilled to report that 85% of the children who participated in our programme showed improved health outcomes. Additionally, attendance at our health workshops increased by 50%.”

4. Include Participant Feedback

– Attach feedback forms from participants to showcase their experiences and satisfaction. Highlight some key comments or quotes.

   Example:

– “Here’s what some of our participants had to say: ‘This programme helped me learn how to cook healthy meals for my family’ – Sarah, mother of two.”

5. Provide Evidence of Community Impact

– Demonstrate the broader impact of your project on the community. This can include statistics, stories, and other relevant data.

   Example:

– “Our initiative not only improved individual health but also fostered a sense of community. Over 300 families benefited from our workshops and resources.”

6. Add Photos or Images

– Incorporate photos or images that capture the essence of your project and its impact. Visuals make your report more engaging and relatable.

   Example:

– “Here are some snapshots from our recent community health fair. As you can see, the turnout was fantastic and the activities were a hit!”

7. Share Testimonials

– Include testimonials from participants, volunteers, and community members. These personal stories add a human touch to your report.

   Example:

– “John, a programme volunteer, shared, ‘Seeing the kids learn and grow was incredibly rewarding. I’m proud to be part of this initiative.’”

8. Outline Future Plans

– Briefly discuss your future plans and how you intend to build on the success of the current project. This shows ongoing commitment and vision.

   Example:

– “Looking ahead, we plan to expand our ‘Healthy Kids’ initiative to neighbouring communities and introduce new workshops focused on mental health.”

9. Conclude with Gratitude

– End your report with another thank you, reinforcing your appreciation for the support you’ve received.

   Example:

– “Once again, thank you for believing in our mission and supporting our work. Together, we’re making a real difference in our community.”

10. Stay Organized and Accessible

– Make sure your report is well-organised and easy to navigate. Use headings, bullet points, and clear sections. Consider sharing the report in both digital and print formats.

Creating an accountability report doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By following these steps and keeping your tone friendly and approachable, you’ll create a report that not only informs but also inspires and appreciates your supporters.

Good luck!

To Boost Your Chances of Success, Make Sure You:

☐ Check Eligibility:  Make sure you meet the funders’ criteria. Different funders look for different things, but you’ll need to ensure your charitable purpose and project fit what they’re after.

☐ Ask for the Right Amount:  Apply for amounts that match what the funder usually gives. Some funders have a maximum limit, which you’ll find in the guidelines. If there’s no limit mentioned, check their annual report for an idea of their average grant.

☐ Coordinate with Your Team:  Talk to team members working on other funding projects. Some funders only accept one application per organisation per year, so coordinate to avoid conflicts.

☐ Apply Early:  Don’t wait until the last minute! Submitting early gives the funding advisor time to review your application and ask for any needed info or clarifications.

☐ Answer Every Question:  Use the space provided to answer questions fully. Attach extra documents if allowed, but always summarise key points on the form.

☐ Keep It Simple:  Use clear, everyday language and bullet points. Infographics can help make data easy to understand. Try tools like Piktochart or Canva for templates.

☐ Explain the Impact:  Clearly communicate what you need funding for and why it’s important. Show the positive impact your project has on the community.

☐ Attach Essential Documents:  Ensure all necessary documents are included and up to date. It’s helpful to keep a dedicated folder for these documents to streamline future applications.

☐ Budget Accurately: Submit a realistic and fair budget. Funders know typical costs, so avoid inflating numbers. Include volunteer expenses and administrative costs, allowing 15-20% for administration.

☐ Show Value for Money:  Explain why your project is a smart investment. Highlight any collaborations or shared resources that reduce costs and increase benefits beyond your organisation.

☐ Clarify Finances:  If you have significant reserves, explain why they’re not being used for the project. If you’re in financial trouble, detail your recovery plan and how you’ll stay stable.

☐ Gather Letters of Support:  Especially if you’re new or your project is unusual, letters from reputable organisations can demonstrate broad community support.

☐ Meet Past Requirements:  If you’ve received funding before, ensure you’ve completed all accountability requirements. Future funding depends on it.

☐ Show Strong Leadership:  Choose trustees who enhance your organisation’s reputation positively. Avoid selecting people just to fill seats; opt for those who can truly contribute.

☐ Build Relationships:  Stay in touch with the funding advisor. They can advocate for you and share your successes with decision-makers, so keep them updated and listen to their suggestions.

☐ Present Professionally:  Funders are obligated to distribute funds, but not necessarily to you. Make a great impression and always thank them if your application is successful.

Source: Megan Thorn, Exult (exult.co.nz)

 General Instructions

– Read the Instructions: Carefully follow the criteria for eligibility as they may change over time. Make sure your organisation and/or project qualifies before proceeding.

– Check Eligibility: Review the form or website to ensure your application fits the funding criteria.

– Drafting Answers: If using a hardcopy or downloadable form, print multiple copies for drafting. For online applications, verify if you can save and return later. Consider writing the narrative in a Word document first.

– Character/Word Limits: Be mindful of any limits on characters or words.

Crafting Your Request

– Be Clear and Convincing: Clearly explain what you are asking for. Ensure the person reading it can easily understand and find it convincing.

– Provide Concrete Statistics: Avoid vagueness. Use specific data such as the number of clients, food parcels provided, or community meetings held.

Demonstrating Need and Benefits

– Explain the Need: Clearly articulate why the funding is necessary for your organisation. Highlight the benefits and outcomes.

– Differentiate Your Services: Explain how your services/programmes benefit recipients and how they differ from other organisations.

– Include Feedback: Incorporate comments or feedback from clients and community agencies. Use letters of support, thank you notes, or workshop feedback, ensuring you have permission to use these.

 Submission Tips

– Complete the Form: Answer every question on the application form instead of referring to attachments.

– Simplicity and Clarity: Assume the Grants Administrator is unfamiliar with your organisation. Avoid jargon and acronyms.

– Double Check: Before submission, ensure all required information is included. Post or courier the application early to avoid delays. For online submissions, avoid waiting until the last day to prevent issues with overloaded servers.

– Keep a Copy: Retain a copy of the completed application for your records.

 Final Reminders

– Following these guidelines increases the likelihood of a successful application.

– Remember to keep the application clear, concise, and comprehensive.