In early April, the Kites Trust whānau—both board and staff—came together for a transformative two-day strategy workshop led by the phenomenal Katerina Kupenga of Arahina Consultancy. It was more than just a planning session; it was a space to reflect, reconnect, and reimagine our future together.

Grounding Ourselves in Purpose

Held in Lyall Bay, the workshop encouraged us to explore the whakapapa of Kites—the foundation of who we are, why we exist, and the challenges that continue to shape our journey. One of the most powerful takeaways was the boldness and conviction of our team, reaffirming our commitment to community and organisational development as Tangata Whai Ora.

Through deep discussions and collaboration, we crystallised the key pillars that will guide Kites into the future:

The Strength of Collective Vision

What made this experience extraordinary was the synergy within our team. As Madeline Cook, Strategic Project Manager, highlighted, the different perspectives we each brought didn’t create friction—they created alignment. The clarity we achieved will help Kites move forward with strength and purpose, ensuring we continue to serve and uplift our community.

Katerina’s approach was pivotal in this process. With her expert facilitation and deep understanding of Te Ao Māori strategy, she guided us through a structured journey that enabled us to complete a full strategy and action plan in just two days. Her “native genius” exercise was a standout moment—it reminded us of the unique strengths we each bring to our work and how we can harness these talents to create lasting impact.

Looking Forward with Excitement

As Serena Lal, Chief Executive, I believe that the direction of Kites must be shaped collectively—no vision should be created in isolation. This strategy workshop reaffirmed that our strength lies in working together, honouring our shared commitment to lived experience, and holding space for collaboration and innovation.

For Board Chair Victoria Parsons, the workshop was an opportunity to dream big, envisioning what Kites could look like in the next 75 years while remaining grounded in the present. The kōrero was rich with meaningful dialogue, respectful challenges, and deep connection. Together, we solidified a shared vision that reflects our aspirations as Tangata Whai Ora, focusing on peer support, organisational culture, and the foundations needed for future growth.

Now, the next step is action—engaging with our community, gathering feedback, and ensuring everyone feels a part of the journey. We are excited to see Kites continue to evolve, deepen its work, and remain a beacon of collective change. He waka eke noa—we are all in this together, and the wind is strong in our sails.

Ngā mihi nui to Katerina and everyone who contributed to this powerful moment in Kites’ journey!

Kites Trust Team Photo, April 16th 2025.