17 June 2025

Written by: Charmaine Lam, Kites Trust

Stepping into our first Peer Community of Practice (CoP) event, my main goal was simple: to bring everyone together in person, spark connection, and see what ideas might emerge. What unfolded was far more meaningful than I anticipated.

Held in the beautiful setting of Whakamaru, the event had a warm, welcoming energy. What stood out most was how naturally the group connected. Peers were open, generous with their ideas, and fully present. One moment that really moved me was when someone shared they wished we had more time because there was still so much to talk about. That was a powerful affirmation. I remember saying, “This is just the beginning,” and it truly felt like it.

Leading up to the event, I felt a fair bit of pressure—wanting everything to go perfectly and worrying about how the CoP was progressing. But I reminded myself that the most important thing was simply to start and let things evolve. Once the event began, I was a little nervous, but as I stepped back and let the space unfold, I saw the group come together organically. Afterward, I felt deeply grateful. For the first time, I could see the fruits of the mahi I’d been doing since March—and it gave me real hope for what’s ahead.

This experience reminded me that I often overthink and strive for perfection. But in a space like this, what does “getting it right” even mean? I’m learning to trust the process, celebrate small wins, and embrace the journey. I also gained valuable insight into what our peer community values and hopes for—and just how excited we all are to be part of this.

The discussions were rich, the kai was nourishing, and the space itself helped set a relaxed, inclusive tone. If I could change one thing, it would be to lock in the next event date sooner—our peers are busy, and early planning can make a big difference.

Pictured: Charmaine Lam, Kites Trust Community of Practice Lead.

Reflections on My Role as Community of Practice Lead

I’m really enjoying this role. It’s given me the chance to build meaningful connections and learn more about the diverse peer and wellbeing services across Aotearoa. One of the most rewarding parts has been seeing people connect and support each other—especially when new collaborations begin to take shape.

One challenge has been navigating everyone’s availability. At first, I tried to find the “perfect” time that suited everyone, but I quickly realised that this approach was stressful and slowed things down. Now, I focus on creating small, meaningful gatherings with whoever can attend—and that shift has made a big difference.

Personally, I’ve noticed a mindset shift. I’m learning to be more patient, to celebrate progress (even when it’s small), and to lean into flexibility rather than rigid planning. That’s been a learning curve for me, but I’m seeing how it creates a more inclusive and empowering space.

The feedback from peers has been incredibly encouraging. Many enjoyed the first event, and some have already shared ideas for guest speakers or expressed interest in facilitating. That kind of enthusiasm is exactly what I hoped for—it brings the space to life.

Hopes and Dreams for the Peer Support Community

My vision for this Community of Practice is to nurture a space where everyone feels empowered, connected, and supported. I’m excited to see more peer-led facilitation and the potential for sub-groups to form around specific topics or professional development.

Looking ahead, I see myself continuing to connect with others and learning how best to support this growing community. What keeps me inspired are the stories of growth and healing, and the knowledge that we’re helping to build a stronger foundation for the future of mental health in Aotearoa.

Thank you to Wellington City Mission for hosting our first event.

@wellingtoncitymission

Written by: Serena Lal, Chief Executive

Nearly a year ago, I stepped into the role of CEO at Kites Trust. At the time, it felt too soon to introduce myself—I wanted to ensure I had genuinely contributed to my organisation and community before sharing my story. Now, with a year of learning and transformation behind me, I’m ready to reflect on this journey and what it has taught me. 

Ko Serena tōku ingoa 

I am a descendant of the Girmityas—indentured labourers taken from India to Fiji—and I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau. My career has been shaped by incredible mentors, aunties, and leaders who have guided me along the way. As the eldest daughter in my family, leadership has been ingrained in me from an early age. 

Before joining Kites, I worked as a Principal Service Designer in government while also running a consultancy focused on reimagining organisations and services through co-design—centering liberation and community power. My passion has always been enabling communities to design and deliver their own ideas into action, and I feel honoured to have built a career around this vision. 

I am also the founder of IndigiShare, a fintech organisation, and a proud Tangata Tiriti committed to supporting Asian and BIPOC communities in actively showing up for solidarity in Aotearoa. Outside of work, I find joy in baking, cooking, ideating—and being a hoha and tutu in all creative things. 

As a Tangata Whai Ora and disabled person, I have leaned on the support of my community while also caregiving for others. My experience with mental health has shaped my perspective—often seeing services as oppressive rather than restorative. In a society shaped by systemic racism, much of my journey has been spent navigating my own madness in isolation. 

At my core, I am a multi-passionate entrepreneur working at the intersection of collective liberation, creativity, play, systems change, and innovation. 

Why Kites? 

Kites Trust exists to enable a mobilised, resourced, and connected Tangata Whai Ora community in Pōneke—one that creates from its own strengths while holding accountability in its pursuit of Mauri Ora. At the same time, we recognise the systemic oppression, harm, and deep collective trauma that exists. Tangata Whai Ora are uniquely attuned to these realities, and as an organisation, we must work across multiple approaches to deliver meaningful services and spaces for growth and healing. 

Kites has always been an “organisation of requirement”—a think tank that adapts to the needs of its community while upholding peer leadership, human rights, and innovation in community development. 

Lessons from My First Year 

Leading an organisation committed to deep and healing work is emergent and messy. It takes continuous effort to cultivate, structure, and protect processes that restore wellbeing and drive systemic change. Co-designed and co-delivered work requires embracing imperfection, accountability, and collective healing. Here’s what I’ve learned so far: 

Every voice holds wisdom. Every employee, every community member, every interaction offers lessons on how we can improve Kites. Imperfection is inevitable, but when approached with accountability, learning, and action, it becomes a valuable opportunity. In complex systems, outward signs of struggle often point to deeper, underlying symptoms—never take them at face value. 

Solidarity is built through lateral bonds. Leadership means being treated differently, but frustrations directed at me often reflect broader dissatisfaction. I prioritise partnership—defining collective expectations while ensuring leadership enables solutions. This includes fostering leadership at all levels so Tangata Whai Ora can navigate conflict without relying solely on formal management structures. At the heart of this is creating a community culture that does not centre trauma alone. 

Balancing strength and softness build trust. Leadership demands resilience, but it also requires vulnerability—especially when engaging with reactivity. Genuinely investing in the gifts of my team means that accountability and repair must be foundational. 

Growth is accountability. Allowing behaviours that disrupt kawa or community erodes trust. Growth is about persistence—not perfection. 

Honour self-determination. Peer work isn’t about “saving” people—it’s about supporting them as they choose to show up for themselves, with the backing of their community. We must respect the limits of what someone is willing to take on. Acceptance allows us to act from love, even when paths diverge. 

Move at the pace of our nervous system. Growth happens when we foster environments where people feel informed, safe, and empowered. This energetic aspect is crucial for innovative and co-design work. 

Plain language fosters shared understanding. At Kites, we continuously refine our communication to ensure that every document, message, and interaction serves as a learning moment. Culture isn’t inherited—it’s actively created. 

Capacity is everything. Designing roles that allow time for reflection, strategic thinking, and self-initiated projects are essential. Trust is high, but it’s the only way to shift out of reactive and sacrifice-based ways of working. 

Looking Ahead 

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about committing to the journey, listening deeply, and evolving alongside the communities we serve. My first year at Kites has reinforced the importance of holding complexity, embracing imperfection, and building spaces that prioritise both healing and innovation. 

As Kites continues to grow, I remain committed to ensuring our work is grounded in co-design, collective liberation, community power, and transformative change.