Inspiring Leaders night

A powerful evening of encouragement and connection with Chris Clarke

On 12 November, we hosted our Inspiring Leaders Night with guest speaker Chris Clarke (former World Vision CEO), and it turned into one of our most meaningful gatherings of the year, with 36 people attending in person and more joining online.

Chris spoke honestly about the real challenges of leadership — the storms we weather, the pressures we face, and the importance of “building your backstage” to stay grounded and resilient. His message resonated deeply, sparking heartfelt questions, laughter and tears.

What stood out most was the vulnerability in the room. People shared openly about their own journeys, and even in a larger group, felt safe enough to reflect deeply on their experiences. It was wonderful to see people gather around those who were struggling to offer words of encouragement, a shoulder, hugs and tissues.

The feedback pouring in afterwards has been incredibly encouraging. Whānau described the night as encouraging, refreshing, and exactly what they needed to keep going in their work, their service, and in their family life.

We are so grateful to Chris for his wisdom and generosity, and to everyone who attended for bringing such honesty and heart. Chris himself was inspired by the night and particularly by the feeling of whānau in the group. We are looking forward to hearing more from Chris in 2026, as he is keen to come and share more of his hard-won wisdom with our community leaders.

Caring for the Carers

This was our first Caring for the Carers gathering, a new initiative dedicated to supporting those who are doing the mahi on the frontlines. We know that community leaders often carry heavy loads, and without proper support, the risk of burnout is high. Our aim is to create regular spaces where leaders can connect, be strengthened, and look after their own wellbeing, so they can stay the course, thrive in their roles, and continue making a lasting difference in their communities.