Those of us involved with Inspiring Communities have thought a lot about what is distinctive about community-led development. As a result of this thinking, and our discussions, we have developed some principles and a framework to test.

The framework we are working with can be seen below, and is followed by an illustration depicting it. The diagram was created by Alfred Ngaro, with Tamaki’s Ora’anga Kopapa Matutu, and some other initiatives, in mind. Many of these principles are reflected in local examples in this newsletter. We explore them a little further in our article about the Ora’anga Kopapa Matutu initiative. We welcome your feedback – comments or questions about the framework or anything to do with can be emailed to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Community-led development framework, with community of place at the centre

Community-Led and Community Driven - priorities determined and ‘visioned’ by those who live, work, care, connect and invest in local community of place – the principle of ‘ahi ka’

Work Together – across boundaries and silos deliberately to develop the ’strength of ‘loose ties’ among sectors that don’t normally connect – residents, business, Iwi, government and NGOs, and hence unleashing creative solutions, unexpected resources and greater understanding of each other’s perspectives

Asset/Strength-Based – working with community strengths while understanding, but not dwelling on, the problems

Learning and Adapting – understanding that change in one area impacts on other areas, and learning how to adapt quickly together

Demonstrating Change and Developments - creating and celebrating specific and tangible change, together

Whole Systems Change – contributing to policy and legislative change, commercial systems, organisational practice, personal, cultural, family and institutional relationships for lasting impact

Me mahitahi tatou mo te oranga o te katoa - We must work together for the well-being of all

Diagram adapted from original by Alfred Ngaro