Reimagining Systems Change: Rooted in Relationships, Culture & Collective Transformation

The prevailing models of social innovation have long been fixated on scaling up and scaling out—chasing rapid expansion, competition, and measurable growth. But what if the most profound and lasting change doesn’t come from scaling wider, but from scaling deeper?

The Scaling Deep Wānanga is a gathering of systems leaders, changemakers, and community practitioners who believe that real transformation is slow, relational, and culturally grounded. Together, we will explore how deep personal, organisational, and cultural shifts create the foundation for durable, systemic change.

What to Expect

Scaling Deep Keynote (Tatiana Fraser): Sharing research on Scaling Deep approaches to systems change from around the globe—practices and strategies for systemic transformation.
Case Study Stories: Learn from Aotearoa NZ examples of Scaling Deep in action, amplifying local stories where relationships, healing, and cultural shifts have been prioritised over quick-fix solutions.
Panel Conversation: Hear from practitioners taking Scaling Deep approaches here in Aotearoa, leading this work, sharing insights, challenges, and what it truly takes to create lasting change.
Exchange & Learning: A space for participatory dialogue, sharing resources, and surfacing new insights to strengthen our collective impact.
Building Relationships & Collaboration: More than just a conference—this is a wānanga. Expect deep connection, meaningful conversations, and opportunities to foster future collaborations.

At the heart of this wānanga is the art of Scaling Deep—moving beyond the dominant focus on "scaling up" and "scaling out" toward transformation that is rooted in relationships, collaboration, and long-term cultural shifts. Systems change isn’t just about rapid expansion or quick wins; it requires deep personal reflection, collective healing, and contextually grounded action.

Join us as we step into new ways of being, leading, and creating change—rooted in collaboration, reciprocity, and long-term impact.

About the local, Panel Speakers:

Tuihana Ohia (Ngāiterangi, Ngāti Pūkenga, Te Arawa, Ngāi Pākehā) Tuihana Ohia is a thought leader and navigator of wellbeing, dedicated to uplifting individuals and communities through kaupapa Māori values and collective approaches to hauora. As the Founder and Chief Ideator of T Kaupapa, she works across diverse sectors to embed holistic wellbeing into organisations, initiatives, and everyday lives. Her mahi extends to her role as an Associate for the Centre for Social Impact, where she collaborates with non-profits, charities, and community organisations to drive meaningful change. Over the years, she has led and contributed to award-winning initiatives with Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, One (Vodafone Aotearoa), and Northpower, including the design and implementation of Vodafone’s Manaaki Support Network and Te Wānanga o Aotearoa’s wellbeing programme, Tau Ora. With her own lived experience guiding her path, Tuihana also works within the sustainable fashion space, hosting workshops and styling sessions that empower wāhine to reconnect with their sense of self through sustainable and pre-loved kākahu. She sees fashion as a form of rongoā and self-expression, helping wāhine embrace their identity and hauora through mindful, values-aligned choices. A skilled strategist and relationship builder, Tuihana brings a deep understanding of wellbeing into programme design, capacity building, and organisational development—ensuring that the principles of connection, aroha, and collective care are at the heart of every initiative she leads.
Jahvaya Wheki, Relationship lead, Seed Waikato & Seeds for Change ,where she focuses on mapping the systems change sector to help rangatahi see the places they can go to enact change. As a Maaori Waahine on her reconnection journey she dances in a lot of spaces in between that are also learning alongside her. She is passionate about meeting awesome people and using language to travel to new realms of understanding & connecting.
Dr. Penny Hagen, Auckland Co-Design Lab - Dr Penny Hagen assists public sector teams and communities to take a participatory and systems-orientated approach to equity and wellbeing. Penny has supported cross sector teams and communities across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia to respond to complex social issues by connecting policy and evidence to the lived realities and aspirations of communities. Penny's practice integrates approaches from wellbeing, health, design, youth development, systems and evaluation disciplines. Penny is currently the Director Tangata Tiriti of The Auckland Co-design Lab, co-leading the Labs work on design for equity and intergenerational wellbeing. She sits on the MSD Ethics Committee, on the Independent Panel for the Understanding Police Delivery Programme and is Ngā Aho Kaupapa Whānau.
Jade Tang-Taylor, SASS member (panel moderator) - As a Strategic Designer, Facilitator, Innovator, Collaborator & Educator, Jade is deeply passionate about Co-Designing Better Futures. Jade is a lifelong learner, she’s currently curious around the intersection of Design Thinking, Systems Thinking & Futures Thinking. Alongside being a Fractional Leader / Associate Director at ThinkPlace, as part of her portfolio, Jade’s other hats include: Industry Advisor at AcademyEX, Co-Founder of Design Futures Aotearoa, a SASS group member, as well as being a proud working mum of one, and a lover of cheese.

About the international keynote, Tatiana Fraser:

Tatiana Fraser is a writer, entrepreneur, and trailblazer in systems change, leadership, and feminist practices. With over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to fostering transformational change and building feminist ecosystems and networks for systemic impact. As Co-Founder and Director of The Systems Sanctuary, Tatiana leads a “refuge for systems leaders,” supporting individuals and ecosystems to deepen systems change practices and strategies.

Known for her signature "Scaling Deep" framework, Tatiana challenges traditional models of scale by emphasizing healing, collaboration, and values-based leadership. An Ashoka Fellow, BMW Responsible Leader and a Top 100 Woman Leader, she is a speaker, facilitator, and author passionate about advancing systems change leadership as an act of care, driven by love and the interconnectedness of all life. She has delivered keynotes at global conferences, including the PRME Global Forum, RSA, Ashoka Global, Tamarack Institute, and C2 Montreal.

As the co-author of Girl Positive: Supporting Girls to Shape a New World (Random House, 2016), Tatiana explores how girls are reshaping leadership and driving meaningful change. She is also the co-founder of the Girls Action Foundation, advocating for leadership and systemic change for girls and young women.

Tatiana holds an MBA from McGill University and has significant expertise in governance, collaboration, and innovative leadership. She has contributed to numerous Boards and Advisory Committees, including the UN Commission on the Status of Women.

A mother of two based in Montreal, Canada, her global work continues to bridge differences, integrate justice, and inspire transformative leadership practices rooted in care, collaboration, and life-affirming possibilities.

About Systems Sanctuary:

We are a support system for leaders working to transform unhealthy systems. We coach and train people in systems practice internationally, partnering with leaders, networks, and teams to create conditions for deeper systemic impact. We believe collective learning is the foundation for wise action, so we foster thriving ecosystems for positive change, grounded in a culture of care and connection.

Collectively brought to you by:

SASS: Our group, known as SASS (Systems-change Advocacy, Support and Solidarity) are all experienced, hands-on community leaders from diverse backgrounds. We are fiercely passionate about Systems Change mahi that is Te Tiriti-based, community-led, relationship-led and collaborative. We meet monthly to connect, support and share learnings, resources and wisdom.
Leadership Lab: The Leadership Lab team is a vibrant and diverse mix of people bringing experience, knowledge and a real passion to life and leading. We operate as a collective with a wide range of individuals teaming up to contribute to a range of projects while also supporting and developing each other in the process. Our Leadership Lab team covers all of New Zealand/Aotearoa and through the extensive network of robust and trusting relationships where we form partnerships with local leaders.
Clare Foundation: Clare is a progressive philanthropic foundation that wants more for our people and planet.
Auckland Council: The Community Innovation team is a regional team of community development practitioners within Auckland Council’s Community Wellbeing Department. We support thriving communities across Tāmaki Makaurau by promoting innovation (auahatanga) and community-led practice (mā ngā hapori e ārahi).
We work alongside communities, Council teams, government agencies, funders, and the community sector to co-design solutions to emerging challenges. Our focus is on collaboration, system improvement, and aligning with the Auckland Plan and local board priorities — all through a regional and equity-focused lens.
Centre for Social Impact NZ: The Centre for Social Impact helps grant-makers and funders invest for impact, and enables their community partners to turn that investment into inspiring and sustainable social change.

Please note, if cost is a barrier to attending, we do have discounted options available and are happy to discuss what might work best for your situation. Please don’t hesitate to reach out – we’d love to make it possible for you to join us for this masterclass.