Interactionz

05/02/2026

Today is Waitangi Day, a day to celebrate the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi, a foundational document which formalised the relationship between Maaori tangata whenua and the British Crown. It is not a constitution or a statute, but an exchange of promises.

If you’ve ever wondered about its irregular shape, the treaty was written on parchment (stretched animal skin) which has been nibbled by rodents. You can see the original document in the Te Tohu exhibition housed in the National Library of New Zealand Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa in Wellington.

Today is about learning, reflecting, and doing our part to honour Te Tiriti in everyday ways.

19/01/2026

Huge thanks to Fergus Bar and Kitchen, especially Abby and the team, for hosting Interactionz so generously across the day and into the evening at our December 2025 year-end event.

We’re incredibly grateful for how accommodating the team were in helping us create a space that felt welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for everyone.

The platters were amazing, the service was thoughtful, and the atmosphere was exactly what we hoped for.

Thank you for supporting our kaupapa and helping us create a space where everyone felt comfortable and included 💫

www.interactionz.org.nz
www.fergusbar.co.nz



Image Descriptions:
Photo 1: A staff member carrying a wooden platter with cheese, cured meats, crackers, and fruit, being served to guests at tables.

Photo 2: High tables and stools lined along tall windows inside Fergus Bar & Kitchen, showing a warm, welcoming space set up for guests.

Photo 3: A large group of people seated and standing inside a bright, modern venue, listening and connecting during an Interactionz event.

19/01/2026

As we step into 2026, we’re reflecting on a year that shaped us through change, learning, and connection.

In 2025, Interactionz was proud to be part of sector-wide kaupapa led by LEAD Centre for Not for Profit Governance & Leadership, bringing the NFP community together for honest koorero and collective strength during a time of real pressure.

Gathering with more than 80 leaders — and reflecting alongside Hildy Gottlieb was a powerful reminder of the resilience, heart, and possibility that live across our communities.

We enter 2026 grounded, connected, and optimistic about the ripple effect created when people come together with purpose.

www.interactionz.org.nz



Image Descriptions
Picture 1 - Hildy stands beside a flipchart during a workshop, speaking to a group. The flipchart reads “What would it take?” with notes about actions and conditions, set against a patterned fabric backdrop.

Picture 2 - A small group sits around a table in discussion, sharing ideas and notes during a workshop, while other people can be seen standing and talking outside through large windows in the background.

Picture 3 - Dylan draws illustrations and words on a large whiteboard, capturing ideas about trust, relationships, and change through hand-drawn visuals and text.

15/01/2026

Last year, we were proud to celebrate alongside Community Networks Aotearoa (CNA) as they marked 50 years of community-led mahi across Aotearoa. 🎉

Hui25 highlighted the power of connection and shared stories. Naming impact matters — it helps our mahi be seen, understood, and valued.

Looking back, we’re grateful to be part of this network. Looking ahead, we’re excited to keep supporting strong connections and shared futures ✨

www.interactionz.org.nz
www.communitynetworksaotearoa.org.nz



Image Description:
Photo 1 - A large group of people smiling and celebrating together in a historic hall, many with hands raised, marking CNA’s 50th birthday at Hui25 with a strong sense of connection and community.

Photo 2 - A celebration table with a large 50th birthday cake and matching cupcakes, some already cut and served, marking CNA’s milestone anniversary.

14/01/2026

🌱 Something powerful is happening in South Waikato

At Interactionz, we believe everyone is important, everyone is valued, and everyone has a place of belonging — and that includes our rangatahi.

Next week, we’re proud to be supporting and walking alongside the first South Waikato Youth Summit – Te Pūtake. This youth-led kaupapa is about creating space for young people to share their voices, build confidence, strengthen identity, and shape the future of their communities.

We love seeing rangatahi leading change, connecting with each other, and turning ideas into action. Te Pūtake reflects the kind of ripple effect we believe in — where small, intentional moments create lasting impact.

We can’t wait to be part of the learning, the koorero, and the momentum that will come from this summit.

👉 Learn more about Te Pūtake below: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14Tg6v6bB9S/

12/01/2026

Today we’re back at mahi for our first day of 2026, taking a moment to look back on our 2025 Year-End Celebration and the ripples created along the way.

To the people who joined us, thank you for your presence, care, and connection. And to those who wanted to be there but couldn’t — you are very much part of this story and this community.

As we step into 2026, we carry forward our shared learning, our courage, our manaakitanga, and our belief that small, intentional actions can create lasting change.

Here’s to carrying this connection, learning, and momentum with us as we prepare for the year ahead.

Ngaa mihi nui
💛 Interactionz

www.interactionz.org.nz

24/12/2025

Merry Christmas! Meri Kirihimete from Interactionz!

We will be taking a break and will be back in the community from 13 January 2026.

We wish you a fun and relaxing summer, and health, peace, happiness and prosperity for the year ahead!

www.interactionz.org.nz



Image description: An illustrated beach scene of people of all ages and abilities celebrating together under a pōhutukawa tree. “Meri Kirihimete” appears below, from the Interactionz team, reflecting joy, inclusion, and belonging.

12/11/2025

Today marks the first anniversary of Government’s apology to more than 200,000 children, young people, and vulnerable adults who survived abuse and neglect while in State or faith-based institutions between 1950 and 1999.

Today, we reflect on our “national disgrace and shame” (Judge Carol Shaw), and vow to prevent such atrocities in future.

Image Description: A reflected single white lit candle with a purple heart on it on a dark background.

www.interactionz.org.nz

11/11/2025

November is Epilepsy Awareness Month, and Epilepsy Waikato Charitable Trust has partnered with three Occupational Therapy students from Otago Polytechnic to create a series of weekly podcasts called Epilepsy Uncovered which you can find on its website.

There is so much great information packed into these recordings which shine a light on epilepsy!

www.ewct.org.nz

Epilepsy Uncovered Podcasts This Epilepsy Awareness Month and hopefully later ones we are putting out a podcast created by some tallented students from the Otago Polytecnic Occupatonal Therapy program. They have created a four part series called Epilepsy Uncovered. Below you will find the podcasts,....

07/11/2025

🧠 Learn more about the Stroke Aotearoa New Zealand!

Join us for an inspiring community talk at Rototuna Library on Tuesday 11 November at 1:30pm.

Come along for great koorero, a cuppa, and a chance to connect — everyone’s welcome!

☕ Tea, coffee, milo, and biscuits provided.

💚 Please bring a donation if you’re able
📍 30 North City Road, Rototuna North
📞 Contact Ashley on 027 312 0165 or email [email protected]

Let’s keep learning and building community together — thanks to Hamilton City Council for supporting local spaces that bring people together.

RSVP or find out more: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BtDHMtSs6/

31/10/2025

🥾💚 Pull on your gumboots and join us for a great cause!

We’re hosting a Gumboot Friday Fundraiser next Thursday 6 November, 12:30 to 2:00pm at Chartwell Cooperating Church (126 Comries Road, Hamilton).

Come along for a Gumboot Rally Scavenger Hunt, hot drinks, and nibbles, all while helping raise funds for free youth mental health counselling across Aotearoa.

👢 Dress in your best gumboots 💚 Bring a donation 🤝 Support staff welcome (please sign in after drop-off)

Let’s show our support for young people and make a difference together!

RSVP or find out more: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BTWiH9guo/

12/10/2025

💜 Join us tomorrow at Rototuna Library!

We’re hosting a Community Speaker session with Whānau Āwhina Plunket - come along to learn more about the support and services they offer for families in our community.

🗓 Tomorrow - Tuesday 14th October, 11:30am
📍 Rototuna Library, 30 North City Road
☕ Tea, coffee, milo, and biscuits provided
💚 Please bring a small donation if you can

It’s a relaxed, welcoming session - a chance to connect, learn, and share a cuppa together. Support staff are welcome too.

🔗 Event link: https://fb.me/e/39yRBQc97

For more info or to RSVP, contact Ashley on 027 312 0165 or email [email protected].

www.interactionz.org.nz

📸 Keep an eye on our page for more community events and updates!