Supporting community-led organisations to grow their impact

 The two days we spent together were the most valuable from a team building perspective. I have already started using the new definitions of our values – its so much easier to describe and work towards as a result. 

Jensen Webber, CEO, Mahitahi Hauora PHO
I ran a two part team charter review and refresh session for the Senior Leadership Team.

 This has been a highly impactful process helping our entire board to understand governance better, identify our gaps & goals and create a plan that inspires us into action. As a result, we are united as a board, clear on our roles and alive with the values of our organisation. 

Hanariki Mā, Chairperson, Northland Youth Theatre.
I provided Governance coaching and mentoring through a contract with Community Governance Aotearoa

 We were delighted with the work that Carolyn did with us. I Have a Dream is a genuinely unique kaupapa. Deeply committed to our mission of transforming the lives of tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa while also continuously embedding kaupapa Māori approaches into our mahi, as well as continuing our journey as an organisation operating under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Carolyn did a great job of quickly gaining an understanding of all of that and adapting and customising the strategic and operational planning processes accordingly. All of the sessions that she facilitated were very inclusive and everyone felt strongly supported by her. The end outcomes are an excellent set of roadmaps that will really help guide the direction and success of the organisation over the next 3 – 5 years. 

Chris Twiss, CEO, I Have a Dream Charitable Trust.
I designed and facilitated the development of a refreshed operating model, strategic plan, operating plan and communications plan. for this youth education and empowerment trust.

 Carolyn facilitated a series of workshops for two of our Conservation Boards to assist them in developing three-year strategic plans. These were highly successful, and those involved enjoyed the innovative way she went about ensuring everyone was fully engaged through the process. Instead of using electronic aids Carolyn deployed a lot of physical, hands-on methods to get very constructive contributions from our board members. Everyone came away from the process reinvigorated and engaged. 

Phelan Pirrie, Statutory Manager, Department of Conservation, Northern North Island.
I designed and facilitated a working collaboratively and being honorable Tiriti partners session for the Boards and Department of Conservation regional leaders. This was followed by individual sessions with each Board to develop their respective strategic plan.

 Carolyn facilitated Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust with identifying values and principles of the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project's vision and mission. Over two sessions, she guided our trustees through identifying goals, strategic initiatives, and success measures. Her facilitation helped distill our diverse perspectives into a cohesive logical structure, and we appreciated the time she allowed for important conversations and finding the commonalities in our diverse group. 

Louise Saunders, CEO, Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust.
Co-governance Trust with equal iwi and community representation, working towards the restoration of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest range

 Carolyn pulled together a two-day (kauri ora planning wānanga) workshop incredibly quickly and it went off without a hitch. The space was set well, the sessions were productive and inclusive, and the outcomes were incredibly useful. 

Alana (Lana) Webb (she / her), Acting Manager - Tiakina Kauri | Kauri Protection Biosecurity New Zealand - Tiakitanga Pūtaiao Aotearoa | Ministry for Primary Industries - Manatū Ahu Matua.
I designed and facilitated a two day wānanga on a local marae with iwi/hapū, MPI, DOC, Auckland Council reps to co-design a planning tool for kauri protection projects over a 2-day wānanga.

 Carolyn's strategic planning session was nothing short of transformative. In just one day, she skillfully guided us through the process, helping us craft a 5-year vision, concise 3-year strategic goals, actionable 2-year strategic initiatives, and measurable success indicators. What sets Carolyn apart is her ability to infuse excitement and creativity into what can often be a dry and daunting task. With her guidance, strategic planning became an enjoyable journey of discovery, and the results speak for themselves. We now have a roadmap that not only charts our course for the future but also ignites our passion to achieve it. Carolyn truly puts the "fun" in strategic planning, making her an invaluable asset to any organization. 

Jessie Manney, Manager, Volunteering Northland.
I designed and facilitated a strategic planning session with the Board and Manager.

 As a board, we feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside Carolyn Smith from Woven Collaboration. Carolyn brought energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives that challenged us to think deeply about our purpose. Her positivity and ability to keep us focused ensured we made the most of every session. I wholeheartedly recommend Carolyn to anyone seeking governance support or facilitation. She truly is an inspiration—I wish I could bottle her enthusiasm! 

Stacey Beattie, Chair, Kauri Coast Recreational Society Incorporated
I provided governance training to the board over a 4 month period.

 If you are looking for a real down to earth, pragmatic and knowledgeable strategist, Carolyn is it! Carolyn very skillfully helped our community organisation governance team chart and agree a team charter, initial strategic priorities, and a work programme with actual tangible actions and timeframes! She not only understands governance and organisational strategy, she's a brilliant and engaging communicator, mobiliser (she could keep all of us on task, online!), great at using interactive online tools and flexible enough to do away with them if needed, and best of all - she delivered exactly what we had agreed, under incredible time pressure. Our new team of 14 now has a strong foundation to guide us on our journey to engage New Zealanders on the work of the United Nations. I would work with Carolyn again in a heartbeat. 

Martine Udahemuka, Wellington Branch President - United Nations Association of New Zealand.
I designed and facilitated the development of a team charter and strategic plan with the Committee Directors via two online sessions.

 I'm most grateful for Carolyn's inclusive approach. She created a safe space for us to wānanga and brought everyone in the room into the conversation. She allowed me to sit with any discomfort comfortably and supported me to unpack my thoughts. Her professional expertise aligned with our organisation's needs and goals and I was treated to a journey of redefine and redesign. I'm elated with the outcome reached. 

Mo Matautia-Tepania, Navigator Manager, I Have a Dream Charitable Trust.
I worked with Mo and the Senior Leadership Team to redefine their operating model, develop a strategic plan, a communications plan to support the new direction, and an operational plan to implement the outcomes.

 Through collaborative strategic planning, both within the organisation and with partners from businesses, to government to communities, Carolyn initiated a step change in nature conservation and the links to social development in her role. Carolyn is also a brilliant facilitator and worked to facilitate a wide range of collaborative initiatives across the motu with businesses and local government. 

Angela Mayson, former Partnerships Director, Department of Conservation
I worked with Angela while developing significant partnerships and engagement stategies involving key national and regional organisations.

 Carolyn was asked to lead our organisation in a discussion around our future. She provided excellent facilitation and tools to help our team and Board understand what our current situation was and then highlight focus areas for the future we agreed were important, were achievable and had a doable timeframe. Carolyn condensed this information to fit on one page which made it easy to engage our volunteers, to show our funders we have a plan and to keep us on track - invaluable for not only our Board but also our team of volunteers. 

Cindy Borrie, Chair, Whangarei Citizens Advice Bureau.
I designed and facilitated a series of strategic planning sessions for the Board and staff.