Strengthening Governance Across Tairāwhiti

On Saturday 28 February, seven organisations from across Tairāwhiti came together for the Getting Your Board Onboard workshop facilitated by Megan Thorn of Exult. Giving up a Saturday is no small thing. It speaks to the commitment these boards and committees have to their organisations, their people, and the wider community. Each group worked on their own organisation throughout the day, taking time to reflect, align, and move forward together.

The power of a clear vision

One of the strongest themes to come through was the importance of a clear and shared vision. A great vision motivates and inspires, creates a shared goal and direction, empowers better decision-making, provides a foundation for strategy, and helps prioritise and evaluate what really matters. When everyone is aligned on where they are heading, conversations become clearer, decisions become easier, and energy is focused in the right places.

Simple tools, real impact

There were also some practical takeaways that can make an immediate difference around the board table. The consent agenda was a standout, a simple shift that allows routine items to be approved together, freeing up valuable time for meaningful discussion and strategic thinking. It is a small change, but one that can significantly lift the quality of meetings.

How we work together matters

Another key reflection was around how boards and committees work together. Often, the biggest challenges are not about the work itself, but about how people communicate, make decisions, and show up in the room. Taking the time to agree on how we will be when we work together can make a real difference. Simple things like assuming good intent, listening to understand, and creating space for all voices help smooth conversations, reduce tension, and create a more productive and respectful environment.

A collective investment in community

This workshop was made possible thanks to support from the Lotteries Minister’s Discretionary Fund. It marks the first in our Governance Matters series, an ongoing set of opportunities from Gisborne Volunteer Centre designed to strengthen and support the many non-profit organisations across Tairāwhiti. Coming up, we have a practical governance workshop on 21 March, a follow-on session for those who attended the earlier trainings (or with relevant experience), Thriving Community Leadership, on 21 April, and our Governance Mentor Programme beginning early May 2026. Together, these offerings aim to build confidence, capability, and connection across our local governance landscape.

Thank you

What stood out most was the willingness of these organisations to step back from their day-to-day work and invest in learning, reflecting, and growing together. That kind of leadership matters. Stronger governance leads to stronger organisations, and stronger organisations create stronger communities.

Ngā mihi nui to everyone who took part.