The Community Constellation is a collective of community sector peak bodies and capability-building organisations committed to collaborating and working together towards a community-powered Aotearoa that gives effect to Te Tiriti.
It emerged from a shared desire to stand strong in our power as a community, recognising our collective impact and strength. Encouraged by the potential of collaborating, and concerned by funding cuts and other signalled changes, a group that had been meeting organically decided to formalise in mid-2024. Hui E! was asked to be the coordinating organisation.
Our Vision
A community-powered Aotearoa New Zealand where communities thrive and have a strong voice in decision-making.
The tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector is the foundation stone of our economy – a core infrastructure of care, connection and contribution. We are connected in our commitment to a community-powered Aotearoa and in our responsibility to work together and to engage with decision-makers. Te Tiriti provides a foundation and a framework to guide this approach and the work that we do together, to the benefit of all people and communities.
Our Goals:
- Give effect to Te Tiriti: In our collaborative work.
- Weave: Build a strong network for community infrastructure, collaboration and advocacy.
- Amplify: Undertake collective action on key issues.
collaboration. This includes, but is not limited to, peak bodies, umbrella organisations and capability building organisations. The Community Constellation recognises iwi and Māori infrastructure and membership is open to iwi and Māori organisations interested in collaborating in line with the Constellation goals. This may include representation through established rūnanga, mandated iwi organisations, or other entities and collectives, including relationships with the Community Constellation outside of formalised membership.
Membership Criteria:
- Alignment with Constellation Goals: Alignment with the Constellation’s goals to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, weave a diverse and inclusive network for community infrastructure collaboration and advocacy, and amplify collective action.
- Entity type: A charity, NGO or For Purpose organisation that represents and supports tangata whenua, community and/or voluntary groups, or a population group, and supports community
Expectations of a community constellation member
- Commitment: Agreement to the following statement of intent developed by the Constellation: The Community Constellation is a collective of tangata tiriti organisations each with their own kaupapa, committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and working together towards a just and equitable Aotearoa and Te Waipounamu New Zealand. We acknowledge that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a promise between Rangatira who were signatories and the Crown. The Crown has not honoured these promises. Together the Community Constellation advocates for the restoration of Tino Rangatiratanga by tangata whenua, and for tangata tiriti to take shared responsibility to build honourable Kāwanatanga. This means we will take the best possible care of the whenua and each other through collaboration, respect, and accountability.
- Collaboration: Desire to collaborate and work together with other community sector peak bodies and infrastructure organisations.
- Participation: Sharing your organisation’s expertise and knowledge to benefit the Constellation as a whole, including drawing on the expertise and experiences of your networks/members to ensure that the Constellation is informed by, and responds to, the needs on the ground. Sharing Constellation updates and opportunities to participate in the work of the Constellation with your networks/members.
- Shared Ownership: Contributing to the ongoing development of the Constellation.
- Koha of Time: Willingness of member CEs (or senior leadership/governance) to koha their time at twice-yearly in-person hui and bi-monthly online hui.
Benefits:
- Amplified Voice: Strengthen your organisation’s advocacy efforts through collective action and a unified voice.
- Influence Policy: Engage with decision-makers and influence policy development through collaborative advocacy initiatives.
- Networking & Collaboration: Connect with other leading community sector organisations, share knowledge, and build collaborative relationships.
- Access to Resources: Access shared resources, research, and expertise to enhance your organisation’s capacity. This may include project-based funding opportunities in future.
- Collaboration on shared projects: Participation in any other Community Constellation project work is on an opt-in basis. This includes adding your organisation’s name to submissions, co-hosting events or participating in working groups to further the collective goals.
- Professional Development: Participate in hui, workshops, and training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge.
- Contribution to a Shared Vision: Contribute to a shared vision for a community-powered Aotearoa New Zealand that gives effect to Te Tiriti, and work collectively to achieve it. This includes shaping the annual goals of the Community Constellation and reviewing its progress.
To learn more abut the constellations work or to inquire about joining the constellation email kiaora@huie.org.nz .
