September Newsletter 

A future not our own

Kia ora whānau, 

It's a time of transition here at Wilberforce. We've often spoken of the importance of succession planning, and we take that seriously in our own leadership. This means that we can celebrate the exciting opportunities that our team members are pursuing and rest assured that our work will continue as they move on to different challenges and callings. 

In addition to CEO Chris Clarke's pre-planned departure to focus on other projects, we have our Māori Strategic Partnership Lead Jade Hohoi and Environmental Advisor James Beck both moving on to exciting new roles in their fields. You can read more about their moves below! For three of our key people to leave is a big transition, but it is one which we enter into with confidence. We look forward to the fresh perspectives that come with new faces and passions.

Here's a word from Chris:

I am writing to share that Jade, James, and I are preparing to step away from our direct involvement with the Wilberforce Foundation.  As we navigate this transition, a poem dedicated to the South American Bishop Oscar Romero resonates

It includes this stanza:

We can’t do everything and there is a sense of liberation in realising that.
This enables us to do something and to do it very well.

It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for

God’s grace to enter and to do the rest.

We leave with a sense our season of work is done. It has been a privilege and a vocational highlight to have worked alongside you. Our contribution has been to plant some seeds, and mostly to water seeds already planted. There is both a humility and a dignity in this.

At Ian and Wendy’s home on Waiheke Island, there is a bench donated by Springboard with a plaque thanking Ian and Wendy “for believing in us”. Along with Ian and Wendy, we hope that you have also felt our belief in your mahi and your contribution to the “magnificent enterprise which is God’s work.”

To Mel, Simon, Aimee, Wee-Yeong and the Board: thank you for your companionship and leadership. We are excited for what the future will hold as you seek “what seems good to the Holy Spirit and to us".

We have included the full poem – Jade, James and I can’t think of any more appropriate way of signing off:

If you wish to stay in contact with Chris, please email him here christopherclarke.nz@gmail.com

A word from the Chair on transition…

The Board is deeply grateful for the leadership, vision, friendship, and service that Chris, Jade and James have given to Wilberforce and to us personally. Through their faithfulness, they have strengthened relationships, nurtured important initiatives, and encouraged countless people across our community.

While we will miss them, we celebrate the exciting opportunities ahead for each of them and pray for the Lord's blessings on them as they begin their next chapters.

The CEO recruitment process is now underway. In the meantime, we are grateful that Melanie Grace will serve as Acting CEO following Chris’ departure until our new CEO is appointed, providing continuity and leadership as we look to the future with confidence and hope. 

Ngā mihi nui,
Jessica Palmer
Chair, Wilberforce Foundation Board

Looking back with gratitude, stepping ahead in faith - from Jade Hohaia

I’ve witnessed reconciliation. I’ve seen exciting pockets of renewal. I’ve seen Te Tiriti in action. I’ve walked alongside Māori and Pacific leaders full of humility and heart, and I’ve sat with Christian leaders navigating questions of nationhood and the kōrero around Te Kotahitanga — unity.

These have been some of the greatest privileges of my working life.

While I finish my employment with Wilberforce on 25 September, relationships don’t end because the connections remain. The aroha continues to flow, and I carry so much of what I’ve learned into whatever comes next.

This chapter has been one of my favourites.

I am beyond grateful to the Wilberforce Board, to my incredible staff team, and to the many people who have trusted me, challenged me, encouraged me, and walked alongside me.

And above all, to my husband Zacchaeus, our tamariki, our wider whānau and our hapori. Thank you for carrying me while I’ve carried this mahi.

I can see something sitting on the horizon, and I want to remain a wahine with the courage to always give God my YES.

“Tēnei āhau te mahi nei i te mea hou; akuanei te tupu ai: e kore rānei e mōhiotia e koutou? Ka oti i ahau he ara i te koraha, he awa i te titohea.” 
— Ihāia 43:19

And the journey continues ! Jade will continue to serve as Co-Chair of the Wilberforce Scholarship Committees, while transitioning into her new role as Kaihautū (CEO) of Kawenata Trust. This is an exciting new Māori-led charitable entity focused on indigenous philanthropy, the incubation of Māori start-ups, leadership and governance support, and Te Tiriti and reconciliation advocacy. 

I am immensely grateful to the Wilberforce board and team for the trust and support they have shown me. A massive thank you also goes to my whānau and to my church family at The River Ōpāwaho, who have so graciously allowed me to test all of my crazy ideas in community.

The Calendar Corner

Stay up to date with these upcoming events and important dates from our previous newsletters and announcements.