April Newsletter
Changing the Charity Paradigm
Kia ora koutou,
At a recent conference, I was asked: "what is the number one challenge facing the charitable sector?"
My answer? The business model that underpins most charities in New Zealand has reached its use-by date.
Thousands of charities are competing for the discretionary dollar from a rapidly ageing donor base during a time of global uncertainty and steeply rising household costs. Most charities are undercapitalised, operate with barely adequate systems and rely on anecdote to articulate their impact. It’s a sector which seems impervious to mergers and struggles with partnerships. And it seems to be getting harder every year.
It’s not a new thought, especially for those of us who lead or govern a charity. So, it’s timely that into this kōrero comes "Changing Paradigms for Charity and Business", a free downloadable book compiled by Steven Moe. Steven is a partner at Parry Field Lawyers and regular contributor to Wilberforce events.
The book is a collection of 25 essays that look at how we think about impact, purpose, and profit. Steven brings together voices from across NZ, with the contributors reflecting on how charities, social enterprises and businesses can learn from each other and design models that work for communities and for commerce. Oh, and for the planet, too!
The essays are short, varied, and easy to read and include contributions from Wilberforce Community members. There are some common threads running through the various essays: partnership, new models of governance, long-term stewardship, learning from different sectors, harnessing the power of AI, etc.
Steven tells me that some organisations have ordered copies of the book for their board and senior staff and are selecting essays for wider discussion in their organisation.
Changing Paradigms for Charity and Business
Steven will be discussing the book at an upcoming Lunch and Learn seminar (date to be advised).
Steven is also hosting the 3rd Seeds Conference, a free online conference on the afternoon of the 22nd of May. This will explore impact and new models of change across a variety of sectors including housing, education, and entrepreneurship.
Anyone is welcome to join – https://events.humanitix.com/impact-conference-2026
Chris Clarke
Chief Executive, Wilberforce Foundation
Good News for Aotearoa Conference: Save the Date
(Oct 2026)
Following the momentum and encouragement of last year’s gathering, we’re excited to let you know to save the date for the next Good News for Aotearoa Conference:
.
On Friday 16th & Saturday 17th October 2026,
Journey Church, Auckland
We’re thrilled to confirm Dan Paterson - an evangelist, apologist, pastor and snake catcher as our keynote speaker. And once again we will hear from a diverse array of local speakers sharing about what they see God doing in Aotearoa NZ.
More details will follow in the coming months, but for now:
Please save these dates and watch this space.
Save the Date | CONNECT Conference 2026
We’re delighted to confirm that CONNECT Conference is returning in 2026.
CONNECT is Wilberforce Foundation’s gathering for the Christian for-purpose charitable community — a day designed to foster connection, encouragement, and renewed hope as we navigate leadership and ministry in Aotearoa today.
Following the Christian Savings Governance Conference, CONNECT will be held as three regional one-day gatherings:
Christchurch
Thursday 23 July
Oxford Terrace Baptist
Auckland
Thursday 30 July
Gracecity Greenlane
Wellington
Thursday 6 August
Venue to be confirmed
Across the day we’ll have key note speakers, as well as making space for short talks, storytelling, worship, conversation, and unstructured time to connect with one another, and share how the Lord is at work even in challenging seasons.
Speakers and programme details are still being developed, with more information to come soon. For now, please save the date and plan to join us in your region.
Available now: "Moving On" by Silvia Purdie
Moving On is the latest book from author, counsellor, and environmental advocate Silvia Purdie. It’s a searingly honest account of what happens when a ministry position comes to an end. The leader is expected to make a smooth transition into a new ministry or retirement. Leaving a church or other ministry context, however, creates multiple losses for pastors and NFP leaders. Grief may be compounded by other losses, not just for the pastor/leader but also for their family, sparking major questions about purpose and identity.
‘Moving On’ explores the dynamics of leaving a ministry position, through a wealth of diverse experiences across a breadth of cultural contexts. Theoretical and theological reflection connect personal story with wider themes. Poetry and pastoral liturgy ground these issues in spirituality. Practical considerations highlight recommendations for church and NFP practice.
Hard copies can be ordered for $35 including P&P from Silvia Purdie, silvia.purdie@gmail.com
Governing for Impact 2026
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 get your tickets below for each event:
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.
Cost $195
Early Bird Discount $180 Ends 17 April
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.
Cost Full Price $575
Early Bird Discount $375 Ends 20 April
Advanced Governance – Governing for Greater Impact
A focused one‑day workshop on the
9th of 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.
Cost $195
Early Bird Discount $180 Ends 8 August
We’re back, with help from our friends, bringing you a fresh selection of beautiful books and podcasts that inspire, teach, and move our community. This month, we’re especially lucky to feature recommendations from Wee-Yeong Eyou.
About Wee-Yeong Eyou
Wee-Yeong Eyou has over 25 years of experience across consulting, nonprofit governance, and pastoral ministry, including 12 years working with young people. Born in Malaysia and raised in New Zealand, he now serves in the for-purpose sector and is pursuing a Doctorate in Youth, Family and Culture. He is married to Reeta and has two teenage boys.
What I’ve been reading
I’m not a natural reader, but I read because I’m curious and committed to learning. I gravitate mostly toward non-fiction—perhaps to the dismay of novel lovers—but my life has been profoundly enriched by what I’ve read. As a doctoral student, much of my reading is assigned rather than chosen. Even so, a number of the books I’ve encountered have not only inspired me but genuinely transformed me.
“The Speed of Trust – The one thing that changes Everything”, Stephen M.R. Covey
The title immediately captured my attention during a particularly challenging season in both my personal and professional life. The promise that trust could change everything felt compelling—and it delivered. I have since read the book two more times, and its insights have proven just as impactful with each revisit. In fact, I was so convinced of its value that I gifted copies to a group of charity leaders who attended a retreat I facilitated.
“In a high-trust relationship, you can say the wrong thing, and people will still get your meaning. In a low-trust relationship, you can be very measured, even precise, and they’ll still misinterpret you.”
“Improvisation – The Drama of Christian Ethics”, Samuel Wells
This book establishes theatrical improvisation as a model for Christian ethics, helping Christians embody their faith in the practices of discipleship. Author Samuel Wells uses the metaphor of theatrical improvisation -- where actors trained in their craft respond creatively to unfolding situations — to describe how Christians should live and act in the world. This book helped me see that true improvisation flows from strong foundations. When we master the fundamentals, we can adapt wisely to changing circumstances. In many ways, that reflects the Christian life and life-on-life discipleship—grounded in core truths, yet responsive to real situations.
“Life with God requires a people who know God and have the requisite character to enjoy the God who chooses relational improvisation rather than rote performance”.
Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret”, Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor
Hudson Taylor has long been one of my spiritual heroes. I first read a children’s biography about him when I was a child, and even then I was deeply inspired by his courage—to go where the gospel had not yet been proclaimed, to immerse himself in a new culture and language, and to endure illness and hardship for the sake of Christ. His life embodied wholehearted devotion to the advancement of the gospel.
“Fruit bearing involves cross bearing. There are not two Christs – an easy-going one for easy going Christians, and a suffering, toiling one for exceptional believers. There is only one Christ. Are you willing to abide in Him, and thus bear much fruit?”
What I’m listening to
Wes Huff on Diary of a CEO
Wes Huff is a Canadian historian, Christian apologist, speaker, and biblical scholar. In recent months, his profile has risen significantly through appearances on some of the world’s largest podcasts, including The Joe Rogan Experience and The Diary of a CEO. Huff is not only intelligent and articulate; he embodies the posture of 1 Peter 3:15—offering a defence for the hope within him with gentleness and respect. He models how to honour a skeptic’s questions, communicate depth with clarity, and remain authentic by staying within his expertise when pressed beyond it. Well worth listening.
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.
