We started the year by finalising an independent review of our deliverables and funding, which had been commissioned to address concerns raised by the WEL Energy Trust about the project. The review found that the project has delivered solid results — especially through its storytelling work — and has already made the region’s community sector more accessible, connected and engaged. At the same time, the review notes important opportunities ahead: to sharpen WWP’s focus, strengthen its role and structure, and build broader funding support so it can scale its insights into real policy and community-level impact.
Further engagement was undertaken through the first part of the year to check in with key stakeholders about the future direction and function of the WWP. The overwhelming majority of people interviewed expressed a strong level of support for the project, both in terms of the positive value and impact it has had so far, the need for it to continue and the opportunities for it to evolve and adapt so that it can both increase its value add and real-world impact. Most interviewees saw opportunities to further improve our operating model and delivery processes, with a clear focus on real-world grass roots impacts being connected to wider systems change. Key points noted include:
WWP is valued and needed – it fills a gap no other organisation is addressing at a regional level.
Keep the focus on research, knowledge sharing, and storytelling – but ensure this leads to collective action.
Move towards legal independence to strengthen funding opportunities and perceived neutrality.
Continue to champion resilience and systems change in the Waikato, even in a challenging political environment.
Enhance engagement with funders and partners, including local government and iwi, to build ownership and resource support.
Protect and grow signature programmes like Lots of Little Fires, which deliver tangible community benefits.
Use influence strategically – be prepared to challenge and provoke where necessary to advance wellbeing outcomes.
In the later part of the year, a Transitional Leadership Group (TLG) has explored options for the future. The TLG concluded that the preferred option is for all practicable steps to be taken to continue WWP as an indefinite part of the region’s wellbeing leadership ecosystem, so long as funding permits.
A hub and spoke model was developed to ensure that the core functions of the WWP can continue (such as leadership, strategy, communications, research, data). Subject or place-specific initiatives/projects would be commissioned as funding and partners becomes available.
Work is now underway to secure funding for the backbone/hub function as above. A request for part funding of the backbone function has recently been considered by the WEL Energy Trust. On 25 November the Trust considered a proposal and resolved to:
1. Acknowledge the proposal from the Waikato Wellbeing Project and the ‘hub and spoke’ model proposed.
2. Not fund the hub function, while still being open to funding proposals through the normal grant process.
While the WWP is naturally disappointed with this decision, we acknowledge and thank the WEL Energy Trust for its funding of the project over the past 5 years. Along with the remaining balance of that funding and that provided by Trust Waikato, MAS Foundation, FutureProof and others, the WWP has sufficient funds to operate until late 2026. During this time, further decisions will be made about the future of the WWP.
As part of our ongoing review of the future of the project, we have also agreed to transfer Lots of Little Fires to Seed Waikato, who will work in partnership with Len Reynolds Trust and Creative Waikato to continue delivering Lots of Little Fires from 2026 onwards. More information on this change can be found later in this newsletter.
As well as continuing to implement our work programme in 2026, we will also work to ensure new funds sourced are secured before our current funds expire. We will keep working through this important priority in 2026 and keep everybody updated.
