In 2023, we embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape our strategy—a process that challenged us, inspired us, and left us with something bold and exciting. For those who have ever wondered what it looks like to truly embrace reflection, collaboration, and courage in crafting a new direction, this is our story.
Step One: Looking Beyond the Horizon
We started where most meaningful journeys begin—with listening and learning. Our Chief Executive, Melissa Gibson, led the charge, diving into research to explore where the greatest needs might lie in our Waikato communities in the years to come. She drew insights from reports, data, and trends, and in May 2023, she presented her findings to the board.
The presentation wasn’t just a download of information; it was an invitation to think deeply. What are we funding now? What are we missing? What needs are emerging that we can’t ignore?
This first step planted seeds of curiosity and unease. Change was on the horizon, but we didn’t yet know what shape it would take.
Step Two: Listening to Our Community
We believe in the power of relationships and that the best ideas come from those closest to the ground. To ensure our strategy wasn’t shaped in isolation, we sought feedback from the groups we fund.
Through surveys and phone calls, we asked:
How are we doing as a funder?
What could we do better?
What’s missing?
The responses were humbling and eye-opening. They told us where we were succeeding and, more importantly, where we could do better. These conversations set the stage for deeper reflection about not just what we fund but how we fund.
Step Three: Turning the Mirror on Ourselves
In May, our trustees gathered for a reflective session. Armed with Melissa’s research and the feedback from our funding partners, we asked ourselves tough questions:
What is working?
What isn’t?
Are we ready to let go of old ways that no longer serve our vision?
The discussions were honest and challenging, and they led to practical exercises that helped clarify our priorities. This was not a one-off exercise; it was part of a back-and-forth process where we reflected, refined, and returned to the table.
Step Four: Walking the Talk on Te Tiriti o Waitangi
At the heart of our new strategy lies a commitment to being a true Te Tiriti o Waitangi organisation. This meant more than just stating our values—it required self-reflection, shared learning, and deep conversations about what Te Tiriti means to us as individuals and as a Trust.
Through group sessions, personal reflection, and hui, we began mapping out what it would look like to walk alongside mana whenua and how we could honour Te Tiriti in our funding practices.
We asked ourselves:
What are we doing well in this space?
Where do we need to improve?
What does an ideal future look like?
The process wasn’t linear, and we often found ourselves circling back to earlier discussions. But we trusted the process, knowing that meaningful change rarely comes without discomfort.
Step Five: Collaboration and Boldness
By October, we had the “bones” of a new strategy, but it wasn’t yet complete. For the first time in our history, we shared our draft with stakeholders for feedback. This was a leap of faith. What if they didn’t agree with our direction? What if we’d missed something critical?
But the feedback was invaluable. It affirmed much of what we were proposing and added richness to areas that needed more thought. The input from our community helped us refine our strategy into something we could all be proud of.
Step Six: The Result
Our new strategy, adopted in August 2024, is bold. It challenges us to think bigger and do better. It asks us to deepen relationships, to address inequities head-on, and to amplify the voices of those leading change in our communities.
It’s a strategy grounded in reflection and shaped by the voices of the people we serve. It reflects our commitment to Te Tiriti, to innovation, and to walking alongside our community with humility and purpose.
What We Learned
This process taught us that:
Trusting the process works. Progress isn’t always linear, but staying open to reflection and iteration leads to stronger outcomes.
Collaboration matters. By inviting feedback and listening deeply, we created a strategy that feels shared, not imposed.
Boldness is necessary. Change requires courage. We had to challenge our assumptions and push ourselves to think beyond the status quo.
A Call to Action
If there’s one thing we hope others take away from our journey, it’s this: strategy isn’t just about deciding what to do. It’s about listening, learning, and having the courage to change. Whether you’re a funder, a community leader, or someone working to make a difference, we invite you to reflect on your own practices and explore how you can challenge the status quo.
Our communities deserve nothing less than boldness, humility, and a shared commitment to a better future.
