We invite you to join us for a Te Pūaha Talks: Core Skills Toolkit - Community Engagement session on June 4, 2025 at 2:30pm. Designed for new and small community groups, the toolkit covers a range of topics - with this session focusing specifically on community engagement. We will explore why community engagement matters, practical tips to get started, and a small set of resources to guide you in your work. Let's delve into why it's important to connect with and support your community to create impactful projects that matter.

View the Core Skills Toolkit here.

About the presenters:

Kathryn Nemec has a broad range of experience and has particular interest in community development, mental health promotion, sustainability and innovation.

Kathryn has consulted extensively in the not-for profit, local government and philanthropic sector in New Zealand, and worked as an evaluation specialist in the United Kingdom. A community psychologist, Kathryn brings a strong values-based approach to her work, and has a particular interest in working collaboratively with organisations to help them demonstrate their impact.

Miranda Cassidy O'Connell has extensive experience in creating conditions that enable diverse voices to reach common ground.

Over 25 years, Miranda has worked with multiple stakeholders spanning policy analysis, project management, collaboration training, facilitation, and large group planning. She has especial experience in Māori rights and interests in environmental issues, including fisheries and coastal management. Miranda has worked for iwi, not-for-profit, government and private sectors and is currently director of her own consulting company, FOLKUS Ltd.

Miranda holds a BA (Sociology), a MSc (Hons) in Resource Management and qualifications in neuro linguistic programming and regenerative development. She aims to continually learn ways of enabling and inspiring people to work together to build a sustainable society.