The Exchange supports a Core Learning Cluster of eight initiatives in communities of place across Aotearoa. These initiatives are all intentionally different, have started for a range of reasons and through multiple forms of initial leadership. They have different origins, geography, areas of key focus, resourcing, goals and are in different phases of the community-led journey.

For example, one started through a small environment organisation and another through local government, Iwi and business working together on local economic development. A third started from a large NGO wanting to find out what mattered most to people living in a local community, and yet another was initiated by local government.

Good Cents, Porirua

Great Start, Taita

Mataura

Massey

Opotiki

Stewart Island / Rakiura (content to come)

Tamaki

Waitara (content to come)

• Actively sharing and learning together
• Intentionally testing out the community-led development framework
• Developing creative approaches for effective community-led development
• Helping create the conditions for change in their communities
• Share information and build knowledge
• Documenting their journies and contributing to a shared national knowledge base

The Inspiring Communities Exchange supports the learning and distilling of lessons through:

• Regular learning forums
• Critical friends or mentors for initiatives
• Case studies and analysis
• Learning conference calls
• Facilitating cross-community visits, networking and peer support
  

"Megan's passion - to the point, clarity, no frills delivery on the journey of Massey Matters - inspired our Marfell Culture Trust (MCT) members. Lots of questions and lots of sharing by MCT members made for a very rewarding experience for everyone".

Colleen Tuuta, Chair TSB Community Trust, after visiting Massey in May 2009

Click here for more information about our learning approach.