Community Networks Aotearoa

What Community Networks Aotearoa does

Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA) is the umbrella membership organisation for local, regional, and national community networks across Aotearoa New Zealand, founded in 1975 as the New Zealand Council of Social Services (NZCOSS) and rebranded in 2014. It is a member-owned Incorporated Society governed by an elected Executive Committee, with day-to-day operations led by a lean team comprising Executive Director Ros Rice, Engagement Officer Patrick Davies, and contracted communications via Aye Studios. CNA represents 60+ diverse member networks spanning not-for-profits, iwi organisations, sports groups, social service agencies, kaupapa Māori organisations, community gardens, and grassroots voluntary groups. It delivers four service pillars: information dissemination (monthly Network News newsletter, Community Alert bulletins, blog content, the Collaborative Voices radio programme replayed across 6+ stations), connection (annual Hui conferences, Members' Only Hui events, Neighbourly Natters regional networking sessions, Sharp Strategies interactive webinars), advocacy (Select Committee presentations, government official meetings, and formal policy submissions across bills including the Charities Amendment Bill, Incorporated Societies Act regulations, AML/CFT amendments and taxation consultations), and capacity building through governance training and compliance tooling. CNA serves a New Zealand community and voluntary sector that contributes approximately 4.6% of GDP — over NZ$12 billion annually — and is materially impacted by regulatory changes affecting the more than 28,000 registered charities across the country.

The organisation's primary product assets are Tick for Governance (a 10-module online governance training course hosted on the PointsBuild learning platform, priced at NZ$100 per person with the first Te Tiriti o Waitangi module offered free, and formally endorsed by Charity Services and the Institute of Directors NZ, which has reached 1,000+ users); a WiseComply compliance app collaboration that pushes legislative updates to governance and management teams; the biennial State of the Sector Report, a 10-year longitudinal study supported by the Ministry of Social Development and analysed by Dr Jane Horan; and the Better Banking for All multi-year research initiative funded by the JR McKenzie Trust and Todd Foundation and led by Dr Jane Horan through BERL, which has produced publicly launched reports in 2022 and 2023 and feeds ongoing banking-access advocacy with institutions such as First Credit Union. Tick for Governance Board Recognition — a credentialing badge for organisations whose full boards complete the course — extends the offering into a funder-visible governance signal.

CNA generates revenue primarily through tiered membership subscriptions aligned with Charity Services turnover categories (Full membership NZ$80.50 to NZ$138 per year depending on organisational turnover; Associate membership NZ$34.50), supplemented by Tick for Governance course fees, project grants from philanthropic funders (JR McKenzie Trust, Todd Foundation), government-supported research contracts (MSD), and event sponsorships (e.g., Sue Barker Law, BNZ venue support). Membership fees have not changed in over a decade. The business explicitly does not pursue venture, private equity, or public capital; its economics are those of a sector advocacy body operating with a minimal core staff and a broad distributed membership base across Aotearoa.

Name

Community Networks Aotearoa

Legal name

Community Networks Aotearoa

Website

https://communitynetworksaotearoa.org.nz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1975

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Community Networks Aotearoa is a 50-year-old, member-owned Incorporated Society that serves as the umbrella organisation for 60+ local, regional, and national community networks across New Zealand, delivering membership services, governance training (Tick for Governance), policy advocacy, and sector research to the country's not-for-profit, iwi, and voluntary sector.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Non-profit community sector support services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392), Social Advocacy Organizations (8133)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Hosting & Membership Platforms (MPACAJAF)

Keywords

• Community sector advocacy
• Non-profit governance training
• Membership umbrella organisation
• Community network support
• Charitable sector research

Headquarters

HQ city

Wellington

HQ country

New Zealand

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: CNA generates revenue primarily through tiered membership fees based on charity services tiers. Full membership ranges from $80.50 to $138 depending on organisational turnover, with associate membership at $34.50 (all GST inclusive). Membership fees have not changed in over a decade.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Community Networks Aotearoa operates as an umbrella membership organisation providing information, connection and advocacy services to community networks and not-for-profit organisations across Aotearoa New Zealand. Its primary commercial offerings are tiered annual membership subscriptions, the Tick for Governance online training course ($100 per person across 10 modules), and research publications including the Better Banking for All report and State of the Sector Report.

Product overview

Community Networks Aotearoa operates as an umbrella membership organisation offering a portfolio of capacity-building services for Aotearoa's community and voluntary sector. The core offerings include Tick for Governance©, an online governance training course consisting of 10 modules (with the first module on Te Tiriti o Waitangi available free) priced at $100 per person, designed to upskill trustees, board members and leaders; and the Better Banking for All© research initiative examining banking challenges for not-for-profits. Supporting services include the biennial State of the Sector Report© for longitudinal research, the monthly Network News newsletter, Collaborative Voices radio/podcast, Sharp Strategies expert sessions, and Neighbourly Natters regional networking events. CNA also produces formal policy submissions and offers the Tick for Governance Board recognition for certified organisations. The organisation does not operate a unified software platform but delivers these programmes through a combination of online learning (via PointsBuild), research publications, communications channels, and direct member engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Tick for Governance: An affordable, fun and engaging online governance course for community organisations, written by Kiwis for Kiwis, with the first module on Te Tiriti o Waitangi available for free. The full course costs $100 per person with discounts available for bulk purchases.
• Better Banking for All
• Sharp Strategies
• Neighbourly Natters

Products and services

• CNA Membership (Full and Associate Tiers) Tiered annual membership for Aotearoa New Zealand community networks and not-for-profit organisations. Full membership ranges from NZ$80.50 to NZ$138 GST-inclusive based on organisational turnover ($140k, $5m, $30m, and over $33m tiers); Associate membership is NZ$34.50. Members receive information, connection, advocacy support, governance training access, and voting rights (Full tier). Membership is ratified quarterly by the Executive Committee.
• Tick for Governance Online Course Online governance training course consisting of 10 modules covering Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Governance Essentials, Foundation Documents, Legal Responsibilities, Board Roles, Governance vs Management, Understanding Numbers, Policies, Annual Planning, and Effective Meetings. Priced at NZ$100 per person with 20% discount for 6 or more participants; first module on Te Tiriti o Waitangi is free. Hosted on PointsBuild platform.
• Better Banking for All Research Report Multi-year research initiative and published report examining banking challenges faced by not-for-profit organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand, including AML/CFT compliance, signatory changes, and sector understanding. Conducted through sector-wide online surveys and in-depth interviews. Findings have informed advocacy for banking sector reform and collaboration with banks on process improvements.
• State of the Sector Report 2024 Biennial longitudinal survey report providing comprehensive snapshot of Aotearoa's community sector. Part of a 10-year study tracking trends and evolving situations across sports groups, kaupapa Māori organisations, social service agencies, and community gardens. Professionally analysed by Dr Jane Horan (BERL).

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 governance training users completed or actively engaged with Tick for Governance course
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers13 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core, significant, ongoing, event support, working group and contracted.

• Ministry of Social DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCNA acknowledges the Ministry of Social Development for their support of the State of the Sector Survey 2024. The Ministry is also a key government stakeholder for sector advocacy and funding discussions.
• Dr. Jane Horan (BERL)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead researcher (economic anthropologist) for Better Banking For All project, contracted through Business and Economic Research Ltd (BERL). Expert in analysing economy intersecting with gender, political economy, and wellbeing.
• Ministry of JusticesignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated with Ministry of Justice on AML/CFT Act amendments. Ministry hosted workshops related to banking compliance issues affecting the sector.
• Wellington Access RadioongoingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for the Collaborative Voices radio show/podcast, producing episodes on sector topics that are replayed across 6+ radio stations nationwide.
• First Credit UnionsignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerFinancial institution that partnered with CNA to trial improved banking services for non-profits, including dedicated contact, online verification, and streamlined processes for signatories and ID verification.
• Citizens Advice BureauongoingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner working to build relationships with banks to improve experiences for the social services and community sector.
• FINZ (Fundraising Institute of New Zealand)ongoingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organisation working to build relationships with banks to improve experiences for the social services and community sector.
• AUSAE (NZ)ongoingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner working to build relationships with banks to improve experiences for the social services and community sector.
• WiseComplysignificantTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration with smart compliance app that updates legislative and compliance requirements as they happen, helping governance and management teams stay current with regulatory changes.
• Sue Barker LawsignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerSue Barker LLB(Hons), BCA, CA from Charities Law was significant sponsor and supporter of the '1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond' political panel event, contributing generously to enable accessibility.
• BNZ (Bank of New Zealand)event supportStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvided venue for the '1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond' political panel event.
• Streamlinerevent supportTechnology or IntegrationDelivered professional live stream for the '1 Sector, 6 Parties Respond' political panel event, enabling accessibility beyond Wellington.
• Parry Field LawyersongoingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProvides resources, guides, and free consultations on the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. CNA links to their excellent resources to help members navigate constitutional changes.
• InteractionzongoingStrategic or Co-development PartnerSocial enterprise partner helping organisations capture, visualise, and communicate their stories through data-driven storytelling and social impact mapping.
• Community Waitakereworking groupStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of collaborative working group for Better Banking For All project, conducting research and advocacy on banking issues.
• ANCADworking groupStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of collaborative working group for Better Banking For All project.
• SocialInkworking groupStrategic or Co-development PartnerMember of collaborative working group for Better Banking For All project.
• Aye StudioscontractedChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDigital studio (Dan & Lydia Campbell-Robinson) providing communications and digital marketing services, including digital brand strategy, content production, social media and website management.
• Charity ServicessignificantStrategic or Co-development PartnerGovernment agency that proudly supports Tick for Governance course, giving organisations confidence that the learning is practical, credible and relevant.
• Institute of Directors (NZ)significantStrategic or Co-development PartnerProfessional body that proudly supports Tick for Governance course, providing credibility for governance training programme.
• Seed the ChangeongoingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing resources on Charities Amendment Act changes, including FAQs and guidance booklet for community organisations.
• Community Foundations of Aotearoa New ZealandongoingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing resources on Charities Amendment Act changes for the community sector.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Philanthropy New Zealand: National membership body representing philanthropic organisations, trusts, and foundations in New Zealand. Operates the same umbrella/membership model as CNA but for funders rather than community organisations, providing a directly comparable peer structure.
• BoardSource: US nonprofit dedicated to strengthening nonprofit leadership and governance through training, resources, and certification, directly comparable to CNA's Tick for Governance programme and Board Recognition offering. Operates at greater scale and reach but addresses the same board-effectiveness problem.
• National Council of Nonprofits (US): The US national network of nonprofit organisations, structured as a membership-based umbrella that advocates for the sector, provides training, and convenes state and local associations. Closely mirrors CNA's model of aggregating community organisations for collective advocacy and capacity-building, but at significantly larger scale.
• NCVO (National Council for Voluntary Organisations, UK): The UK's principal umbrella body for the voluntary and community sector, providing membership services, policy advocacy, research, and training to voluntary organisations. Operates a near-identical playbook to CNA in terms of member services, sector research, and government engagement.
• Community Foundations of Aotearoa New Zealand: National network of community foundations across New Zealand, listed as a CNA partner. Operates a comparable membership-driven model serving place-based community organisations and is directly comparable in scope and geography.
• ACOSS (Australian Council of Social Service): Australian peak body for the community welfare and social services sector, conducting research, policy advocacy, and convening its members. Directly comparable to CNA's role representing the community sector in policy forums and producing sector-wide research.
• Volunteering New Zealand: National membership organisation representing the volunteer sector in New Zealand, listed as a CNA member organisation. Operates a near-identical membership and advocacy model, sharing the same domestic constituency and government stakeholder set.
• Volunteering Australia: Australian national peak body for volunteering, providing advocacy, research, and member services. Mirrors Volunteering NZ's role and is closely comparable to CNA's sector-umbrella function for the community and voluntary sector.

Broad incumbents

• Institute of Directors New Zealand: NZ professional body for directors, providing governance training, resources, and advocacy. Publicly supports Tick for Governance and is the closest governance-training peer to CNA within New Zealand, though its scope spans commercial and nonprofit boards.
• Charities Services (New Zealand): Government agency within the Department of Internal Affairs that registers and monitors charities in New Zealand, and publicly supports Tick for Governance. Provides overlapping capability in the form of compliance guidance and is the regulator CNA engages with on policy reform.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/community-networks-aotearoa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Community Networks Aotearoa