Photo credit: Top left, Adele Krantz

Te whakahaere Roopu ā Iwi

Running a community group

Useful resources from around Aotearoa / New Zealand on community group creation and administration.

Photo credit: Top left, Adele Krantz

If you are running a community group, or want to start one, then knowing what tools, advice and resources are available is a good start. Remember to engage with mana whenua and get necessarily land permissions early.

These resources will help you:

understand the common structures available to community groups
find documents and tools to administer, manage and record interactions with your group and external parties.

Start with these resources

Community Resource Kit

Legal resource to support organisations working in the community (not-for-profit) sector.

Communications toolkit and guidelines for community groups

A toolkit to help your group with communications, e.g. social media, media releases etc.

PDF download 1.05 MB

Resources for organisational planning and management

Resources, templates and policies to help with governance, health and safety, risk management, finances, employment, volunteers, and managing charitable status.

Predator Free NZ Group Toolkit

A range of resources to assist with running a community conservation group. If you’re just getting started, see advice on how to start a group. If you’re in a hurry and just want some key points, see tips from successful groups.

Setting up a community group

Group structures

Information on the common structures available to community groups.

Formal organisational structures

Read Community Net Aotearoa's summary of the advantages of becoming an incorporated society.

Structures for Māori organisations

Governance resources for Māori organisations.

Community project guidelines

Guidelines for running successful community conservation projects.

From Seed to Success: A guide to community conservation projects

DOC's guide to community conservation projects.

PDF download 1.15 MB

From Seed to Success: A toolkit for community conservation projects

DOC's toolkit for community conservation projects.

PDF download 1.38 MB

Setting up and running a community group

A range of resources for choosing a community group structure.

PDF download 17 KB

Volunteering in Community Parks

A guide for volunteers working in local parks

PDF download 1.28 MB

Community Governance Aotearoa

Supporting great governance of community organisations across Aotearoa.

Tools and resources for community groups

Ecotrack

Ecological collaboration and tracking. Engage and record community information and interactions. This software when configured allows you to organise your operation into neighbourhoods and collect a range conservation management data.

Simple CRM for small business

Once your organisation reaches a certain size, you might need to start managing relationships by recording interactions and more. Xero summarises what customer relationship management software is and what it can do for you.

Resources for organisations who use volunteers

Information, policies and templates for volunteers including referee checks, application forms, a code of practice and exit interview form.

Resources for organisations that employ staff

Information, policies and templates for recruiting and inducting staff, general human resources, performance management and exiting staff.

Resources for registered charities

Information, policies and templates for charities managing their finances and performance, recording conflicts of interest and protecting against fraud.

Strategic planning and risk management

When working towards your goals, it’s crucial to create a specific ‘roadmap’ for how you’ll get there. That’s where strategic planning comes in.

Responsible pet ownership messaging

SPCA Keeping your cat safe and happy at home

Whether you’ve just adopted a new cat or kitten, or are considering how best to care for your existing cat, this guide can help you keep your cat at home in a way that works best for you and your cat.

PDF download 10.9 MB

Enrichment tips for cats

Just like people, cats like to explore, appreciate nice smells, admire views, and observe interesting objects.

Cat Tracker NZ

Some of the mysteries of cats relate to where they go and what they do; this is especially true of cats that go outdoors. We open our doors. They leave. Just where they go, we can’t be sure. Or rather we couldn’t be sure, until now.

Companion Animals NZ Register

Companion Animal Register and how to register microchips.

Make a bird-safe collar for your cat

This tutorial video will show you how to make a simple bird-safe collar for your cat

Cats in Harness/on Leashes

SPCA supports the walking of cats in harness provided the equipment used is appropriate, well-fitted, and secure, the cat’s physical, health, and behavioural needs are met, and the activity is stopped if the cat shows signs of stress.

Cat facts and control tips

Aotearoa New Zealand has the highest rate of cat ownership in the world. Cats are unusual in that they are a predator of our native species, as well as being popular pets and companions.