Social Services Waikato encourages and fosters informal networking amongst community organisations. It also holds regular networking meetings.
The Managers’ Forum
(Bi-monthly)
Convenor: Andrea Goble
This network provides more than 40 managers of social service organisations a chance to network and discuss issues especially relevant to their sector. Each bi-monthly session usually focuses on a relevant theme or issue. Sometimes outside speakers, such as leading academics or key government people, are invited to contribute but primarily the forum provides a time for managers to talk with each other about the issue concerned. Participants are encouraged to bring resources or information to share with others.
The Community Houses Network
(Bi-monthly)
Convenor:Jenny Patching
This network meets bi-monthly at one of the regions’ community houses. This gives those involved in community houses and community centres a chance to network, listen to guest speakers, discuss issues of direct relevance and, on occasion, participate in project development. Membership is free and open to those involved in community houses and community centres from the greater Waikato.
Maori Disabilities Network
(Bi-Monthly)
Convenors: Sandy Pokaia and Maniapoto Marae Pact Trust
This network group is made up of 20 organisations from Raukawa, Maniapoto, Waikato and Hauraki. The group has been active for two years now and recently nominated a representative for the newly established National Maori network. This group meets every month.
Maori Nurses Network
(Quarterly)
Convenor: Sandy Pokaia
This group is made up of nurses from the wider Waikato and meets quarterly. Much information is shared and a common understanding of their work is supported through korero
Maori Social Workers
(Monthly)
Convenors: Sandy Pokaia and Maria Davis
This is a newly established group which unites the Maori Social Workers together to support each other in their roles. This group meets once a month.
Children and Disabilities Network
(Monthly)
Convenor: Jenny Patching
The Child & Disability network supports a wide range of groups and agencies that work with the disabled and with disabled children. This network provides a unique opportunity for those that work in this specialised area to share information, ideas & resources, reduce the feeling of working in isolation, provide & foster peer support, create opportunities for collaboration & advocacy, and engage in dialogue that is relevant to the sector. The network has recently been reviewed, which should engender some positive and relevant changes and outcomes for the participants.
Fieldworkers and Coordinators Network
(Bi-Monthly)
Convenor: Jenny Patching
A network of people predominantly involved in providing one-to-one support and education services in the health or health-related sector. Participants gain ideas, information and support from one another, as well as the opportunity to engage and connect with like-minded agencies.Guest speakers usually focus on issues that are of particular relevance for the sector.
Thames Community Network and Coromandel Providers Forum
(Monthly)
Convenor: Sheryll Fitzpatrick
These two networks meet at different times once a month. They can be attended by anyone who has an interest in the social services sector, and the networks are a good way to share information and meet together.
