March Newsletter
Kia ora koutou,
One conversation keeps resurfacing across the Wilberforce community. Organisations are navigating uncertainty and asking a familiar question: where will the next generation of board members come from? The need is not just for more people around the table, but for boards that are thoughtful, diverse, and equipped to lead well. Governance matters, because leadership shapes outcomes and outcomes shape people and communities.
Possibly the most common request I receive starts like this: “We’re looking for new board members. Do you know someone who…” These are driven by times of uncertainty, a desire for more diverse boards, and a growing awareness of what good governance looks like.
In response, we are running a series of governance events across the motu. Kiwa, a governance programme designed for Māori and Pasifika leaders, is profiled in this newsletter. This week over 40 women will gather in Christchurch for a Christian Women in Governance retreat. Peter Crowe is also back this year, offering three programmes ranging from a one‑day workshop for board chairs to an advanced governance workshop later in the year. In July and August, we are sponsoring three Christian Savings Conferences focused on governance, and we are open to doing more if the demand is there.
What encourages me most is the appetite we are seeing across Aotearoa to invest in governance that is fit for purpose and grounded in faith. Whether you are stepping into governance yourself or strengthening the board you serve on, we would love to walk alongside you as organisations—and the people they serve—are enabled to flourish.
Chris Clarke
Chief Executive, Wilberforce Foundation
Catch up on our most watched Lunch and Learn webinars
Did you miss one of our Lunch and Learn webinars? You can now watch them anytime through the webinar library on our website.
The page brings together recordings from past sessions, giving you the opportunity to catch up on practical insights and conversations with leaders serving across the Christian charity and ministry sectors.
Two webinars stood out as the most watched in 2025:
AI in Fundraising with Sean Triner – March 2025
Our game-changing webinar on AI for fundraisers and charity leaders, featuring expert Sean Triner from Moceanic. We’ve cut through the hype to show you exactly how AI can save you time, improve donor engagement, and help you raise more money.
A discussion with Jay Ruka & Chris Clarke – October 2025
This engaging conversation drew strong interest from viewers, as Chris Clarke and Jay Ruka explored Jay's experiences as the pioneering director of Te Manu Hononga: Sir Paul Reeves Centre, an education initiative inspired by the life and work of Sir Paul Reeves.
If you missed these popular sessions or want to revisit them, they’re available along with many other webinars in our online library.
Visit the page to watch the recordings and share them with your team.
Journey of Generosity
LAST DAY TO REGISTER!
What if understanding deeper generosity and surrender to Jesus felt more joyful and more freeing than you expected?
Introducing Journey of Generosity, a one-day conversational retreat exploring biblical generosity through Scripture, stories, and guided reflection.
Come personally, or come to discover a resource you could use in your church or ministry in 2026.
TUESDAY, 17 MARCH 2026
Auckland: Gracecity Church Greenlane
Free to attend. All Christians welcome
Registration essential. Last day to register! Registration closes EOD Thurs 12th March
KIWA Governance Programme
On 18 February, Wilberforce ran its Māori and Pacific Governance Awards and Leadership Programme in Whakatū (Nelson) called KIWA. KIWA is led by the Wilberforce Scholarship co-chairs, Jade Hohaia and Holika Uhila.
Seventeen remarkable Christian governance board leaders and unsung community heroes gathered to share experiences, discuss navigational strategies, and reflect on the challenges they face in leadership. Six leaders received KIWA Awards in recognition of their exemplary service and commitment to their communities.
In total, 65 leaders are now connected through the KIWA Governance Network, representing communities across Timaru, Oamaru, Ōtautahi (Christchurch), Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Putāruru, and Tokoroa.
In the four months since KIWA began operating, the programme has received very positive feedback. Participants have relished the opportunity to engage in an Indigenous-led governance programme that speaks directly to the cultural and spiritual contexts in which they lead.
Plans are now underway to explore the development of a KIWA Governance Training Programme for rangatahi and emerging leaders, helping to grow the next generation of Māori and Pacific governance leadership.
Discover Waimarama House: Your Ideal Retreat Venue
Need to get away? Look no further than Waimarama House on beautiful Waiheke Island.
We’re excited to announce that bookings are now open through to mid-September, exclusively for for-purpose organisations. Waimarama House offers comfortable accommodation for up to 17 people, with room-sharing options that foster team bonding.
This venue is designed to support productive and enjoyable retreats. Spacious living areas and large dining tables encourage group discussions and shared meals, helping your team collaborate effectively and unwind together.
For more details on costs and availability, please contact Melanie at melanie@wilberforce.org.nz.
Don't miss the chance to experience the unique charm of Waimarama House for your next organisational event!
2026 Wilberforce Foundation Scholarship Programme is now open
The Wilberforce Foundation Scholarship Committee grants scholarships to students who show leadership potential in the Christian sphere.
Scholarships are granted for a 12-month period.
Learn more on our website
Applications close: 22 March 2026
Governing for Impact
In 2026 we are pleased to bring you a full governance training programme. Together, BoardCraft – Governing for Impact, Chairing Well, and Advanced Governance form a coherent governance pathway designed specifically for faith‑based leaders. Delivered by Dr Peter Crowe, an internationally respected governance expert, these programmes support chairs, board members, and CEOs at different stages of their governance journey: from foundational governance practice to the distinctive role of the chair, through to advanced strategic oversight. Grounded in faith, shaped by real‑world case studies, and strengthened through peer learning and Community of Practice, this suite equips leaders to govern with clarity, confidence, and impact.
Please save the dates and look out for more information to come:
Chairing Well
A focused one‑day workshop on 29 April.
A focused workshop for current and aspiring chairs of faith‑based organisations. Led by Dr Peter Crowe, Chairing Well explores the unique role of the chair in shaping board culture, enabling effective decision‑making, and stewarding the governance–management relationship with clarity, confidence, and purpose.
BoardCraft – Governing for Impact
A 2‑day programme running on 20 May & 17 June.
A practical two‑day governance programme for faith‑based chairs, board members, and CEOs. Led by Dr Peter Crowe, BoardCraft covers the foundations of effective governance through case studies, a comprehensive workbook, and peer learning, with participants invited into an ongoing Community of Practice.
Advanced Governance – Governing for Greater Impact
A focused one‑day workshop on 9 September.
Designed for experienced faith‑based board leaders who have attended the BoardCraft workshops (‘25 & ’26), this workshop deepens governance practice beyond the fundamentals. Led by Dr Peter Crowe, Advanced Governance tackles strategic oversight, board effectiveness, and complex governance challenges through real‑world case studies, peer discussion, and shared learning.
To register your interest in any of these programmes, please contact
Melanie@wilberforce.org.nz
Do you know what some of the most significant dates are on the Māori calendar?
Check out these dates and add them to your diary and or save the date:
29th April 2026:
Pukehinahina Commemoration
21st June 2026:
Te Ranga Commemoration
July 10th 2026:
Matariki
Early September:
Koroneihana – Anniversary of Māori Queens Coronation
14-20th September 2026:
Māori Language week
14th Sepember 2026:
Māori Language Day
5th November 2026:
Parihaka Day
22-27 Feb 2027:
2027 Te Matatini
Catalytic support through our Consulting Panel
The Wilberforce Foundation offers a Consulting Panel fund to provide catalytic, capacity‑building support for organisations within our community.
The Consulting Panel is designed to support organisations at moments where targeted external expertise can unlock new capability, strengthen the engine room, or help address a clearly defined organisational need. This is often catalytic work — enabling change, growth, or renewed effectiveness that continues well beyond the life of the consulting engagement.
We have a limited pool of funding set aside for our Consulting Panel, which can fund up to 50% of the cost of a consultant. Consulting Panel projects are intended to build lasting capacity within organisations and are typically focused on areas such as strategy, fundraising, governance, leadership, systems, or other organisational foundations that support long‑term impact.
Organisations are invited to apply where there is a specific need and where engaging a consultant will contribute to meaningful capacity building, rather than one‑off activity with no enduring benefit.
If your organisation is facing a particular challenge, transition, or opportunity — and you believe catalytic consulting support could help move things forward — we warmly invite you to get in touch to explore whether the Consulting Panel might be a good fit.
Wilberforce Community Newsletter
Our Community Newsletter will be back for 2026! This is a place for you, our community, to promote and share any announcements, stories, job opportunities or events. Please send them to us.
All articles should be sent to news@wilberforce.org.nz
The newsletter will be distributed on the third Wednesday of every month.
Thank you for your continued engagement, and we look forward to hearing from you.
