Empowering West Auckland’s Nonprofit Leaders
Leadership in the nonprofit sector is both rewarding and challenging, especially for small organizations where leaders often juggle multiple responsibilities. Recognizing the need for accessible leadership development, Community Waitākere has launched the Leadership Development Programme, spearheaded by Daena Walker. This initiative has been developed in collaboration with the individuals it intends to benefit and will equip leaders of small nonprofit organizations in West Auckland with the skills and confidence they need to effectively serve their communities.
The impact of the programme is already evident. Leaders who have participated report that the training has been invaluable, allowing them to implement their learnings in meaningful ways. A notable outcome has been the formation of new peer networks, with leaders continuing to meet outside of sessions to share experiences and solutions to common challenges. Community Waitākere will launch a second cohort in September 2025, further strengthening the leadership capacity of nonprofit organizations across West Auckland. If you’re a leader in the nonprofit space, this is your opportunity to grow, connect, and lead with confidence - get in touch with Daena here.
The programme was initially born out of a significant gap in leadership training opportunities within the region. Many nonprofit leaders struggle to prioritize their own professional growth due to limited time and resources, often being the sole staff members running their organizations. To ensure the programme meets the real needs of local leaders, Community Waitākere held a focus group where leaders shared their opinions and perspectives on key learning topics essential for developing leadership skills and knowledge. Experienced facilitators from West Auckland are guiding participants through interactive discussions, helping them apply new strategies within their organizations. Group discussions have proven to be particularly valuable, as they allow leaders to learn from one another, share experiences, and develop practical solutions to common challenges. Additionally, to counter the difficulties leaders face in attending sessions, live recordings of workshops are being made available where possible.