Jenny Nand Community Focus

07/04/2026

Late post!

Thank you to the Institute of Directors, Waikato Branch, for inviting me to be part of the panel discussion “Battle of the Boardroom: Where Experience Meets Fresh Thinking.”

It was a privilege to sit alongside Erica Amon, Rodney Young, and Doug Wilson, with the session expertly guided by Natasha Harvey.

Ngā mihi Natasha for asking the tough questions, the ones that push us to reflect, challenge our assumptions, and grow in our practice as governors. Our kōrero ranged from courageous conversations in the boardroom to navigating the complexity and opportunity of AI.

Thank you to the Institute of Directors for creating spaces where powerful conversations and real learning can happen. These forums strengthen our governance community and help us all show up better for the organisations we serve.

At the end of the day, good governance starts with good governors, people who prepare well, ask thoughtful questions, listen deeply, and lead with both courage and humility.

If you're interested to attend future events, please check out the website; https://www.iod.org.nz/governance-courses #/

05/04/2026

Earlier this week, the Waikato Intercultural Fund hosted the third event in our Whiria Te Tangata: Weaving Communities Together speaker series, exploring the theme Equity, Identity, and Civic Courage in Aotearoa. It was an evening shaped by insight, honesty, and powerful kōrero.

As Co‑Chair of the Waikato Intercultural Fund, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us.
Your presence, your engagement, and your willingness to lean into courageous conversations made the evening truly meaningful.

To our incredible panelists, Margaret Wilson, Kemi Fayomi, Jumana Fouda, and Molly Āperira Huggan, thank you for sharing your insights, expertise, and lived experiences with such honesty and generosity. Your voices challenged us, inspired us, and reminded us of what true courage looks like in our communities.

We are grateful to the School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy at The University of Waikato for co‑hosting this event with us. A special acknowledgement to Justine Kingsbury, Tim Smith and Sandy Morrison for your ongoing support and partnership.

A huge mihi also to our dedicated Waikato Intercultural Fund committee members. Your commitment, passion, and teamwork are what make events like this possible. Mark Servian, Priya Kurian, Holly Snape, Vani Mills, Jovi Abellanosa, Ninitha Koya, Gilber-Saad.

Have included some photos from the event below, capturing the energy, the kōrero, and the connections made throughout the evening.

01/04/2026

After six years of service, my term with
Community Waikato has come to an end. An organisation I am incredibly proud of.

It has been a privilege to work alongside so many dedicated people who care deeply about strengthening our communities.

I want to express my sincere thanks to my fellow board members for their collegiality, wisdom, and unwavering support, your commitment has made this journey both meaningful and enjoyable.

I’m equally grateful to our operational team, whose hard work, professionalism, and heart sit at the centre of everything Community Waikato achieves. Their dedication behind the scenes has been inspiring, and it has been an honour to support and champion their efforts.

Although my time in this role is concluding, the spirit of connection and collaboration that defines Community Waikato will stay with me, and I look forward to seeing, and supporting the region’s continued success in new ways

Farewell from Community Waikato Chairperson Jenny Nand

12/03/2026

Join us for a powerful Whiria Te Tangata: Weaving Communities Together series, co‑hosted by the Waikato Intercultural Fund and the School of Law, Politics, and Philosophy at The University of Waikato.

This free, live event brings together leading voices for an insightful discussion, with audience Q&A, marking International Women’s Day (8 March) and International Race Relations Day (21 March 2026).

Together, we’ll explore how equity, identity, and civic courage shape our communities in Aotearoa today.

🎤 Panelists
• Margaret Wilson
• Kemi Fayomi
• Jumana Fouda

We look forward to welcoming students, community leaders, practitioners, and anyone interested in building more inclusive and courageous communities.

https://events.humanitix.com/equity-identity-and-civic-courage-in-aotearoa-a-panel-discussion?fbclid=IwY2xjawQf4t5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFUNVB3QUtJV1pqYlpMS21Jc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhop3uX

Join us as we bring together powerful voices to explore the intersections of equity, identity and civic courage in Aotearoa.

04/03/2026

The first day of the Philanthropy NZ conference was full of honest, future‑focused conversations about equity, power, and the role of philanthropy in real system change. What stood out most was the clarity that the gap isn’t knowledge, it’s practice. Equity for Māori, Te Tiriti capability, and shifting power with communities were treated as essential, not optional.

I’m looking forward to Day Two and continuing to explore how we reimagine the flow of power and resources, and what it means to build a society that’s intentional about equity and collective responsibility.

28/02/2026

It was a privilege to attend the Chinese New Year celebration yesterday. My sincere thanks go to the organising committee and the sponsors for their dedication and support in creating such a well‑run and memorable event.

Garden Place as always proved to be the perfect venue, accessible, inclusive, and designed to bring people together. The open space allowed the wider community to participate and enjoy the cultural performances, food, and festivities. A wonderful way to welcome the new year.

31/12/2025

Happy New Year!

May 2026 bring steady hope, strength in one another, and a commitment to compassion, curiosity, and kindness. When we choose unity over division, we help create the world we all want to share.

Let this be a year of lifting each other up, embracing our differences, and standing together with empathy and shared humanity.

Here’s to new beginnings, brighter days, and the collective courage to build something better together.

24/12/2025

As we gather at the close of another year, may this season be a gentle reminder of the values that unite us across every culture, faith, and tradition. Christmas carries many meanings, but at its heart are hopes we all share, peace, compassion, generosity, and the simple joy of being together.

May your days be filled with warmth, your home with kindness, and your spirit with renewed hope. Whether you celebrate Christmas, another sacred tradition, or simply the beauty of this time of year, may you find moments of rest, reflection, and connection.

Here’s to a season that honours our shared humanity and a new year filled with understanding, unity, and light.

11/11/2025

A huge thank you to Dr. Ashley Bloomfield for his powerful keynote speech on leadership, values, and trust at the Community Waikato conference.

His words reminded us that true leadership is about integrity, empathy, and the courage to act with compassion.

What stood out most was his reminder that values aren’t abstract, they’re lived daily in the choices we make and the trust we build with others.

Grateful for the wisdom shared and motivated to carry these lessons into my own journey.

10/11/2025

On Sunday, I stepped way outside my comfort zone, onto the football field for Kick for a Cause Waikato!

As someone who’s definitely not a football player, it was all about giving it a go, having fun, and supporting a great cause.

Being part of Team Purple Salvation was such a highlight. The amazing wahine I played alongside brought energy, laughter, and plenty of encouragement. We played with heart, and we played for a cause that matters.

🙏 A massive thank you to my sponsor AWA Architects for supporting me, your backing made my participation possible, and I’m truly grateful.

✨ Here’s to the amazing Team Purple Salvation and the sponsors:

Carnita Bee – Group One
Charlotte Farmer – Snap Fitness Cambridge
Faustinah Ndlovu – Bart’s Trees
Jenny Nand – Awa Architects
Jev Basical – Bart’s Trees
Gemma Rose – Sparky Direct
Kathryn Glen – Schick
Kendyll Blissett – S&A Auto Services
Mira Arif – Landworx
Oceane Maihi – Nine Thirty
Renika Siciliano – Great Garden Workz
Sarah Thomson – Awa Architects
Tess Frampton – Lime Events
Tracy Hemingway – Cambridge Accountants

Thank you to everyone who cheered us on and supported the kaupapa. This is what community looks like, passion, purpose, and plenty of fun.