New Zealand Community Economic Development Conference An Overwhelming Success

Over 300 delegates departed the Community Economic Development Conference held in Waitakere, Auckland, glowing with optimism, possibility and a sense of empowerment.

Leading practitioners from Scotland, England, Canada, Australia and New Zealand made presentations on social enterprise development, social lending, community banking, asset development and creative approaches to community building.

The timing was perfect as Auckland’s councils prepare to merge into a single body. Community leaders who attended the conference said that the conference opened up exciting opportunities for both communities and councils as we face increasingly uncertain times. Inspirational and innovative ideas abounded as delegates and presenters shared their stories and ideas that enable community organisations to become more viable, sustainable and resilient.

Tony Mayow, Chairperson of Community Waitakere and the New Zealand Federation of Voluntary Welfare Organisations, said “I expected the conference to write the next chapter of the community development story in Aotearoa ..... and they wrote a book! We’ve seized the moment and communities are standing up to do it themselves, reclaiming the territory of economic development’

There was general consensus that the momentum will continue....so watch this space!

Some quotes from delegates:

“This is the first conference I have been to that I have attended every workshop. It’s turned my thinking upside down!”

“I am so enjoying this conference –it has been so welcoming, warm and laden with gems.”

“Everyone is still is absolutely buzzing ....and this is the final session!”

ENDS

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