- Thursday, 14 May 2026
A re‑energised approach to supporting our communities through capability building.
Community organisations across Murihiku are operating in an increasingly complex environment. Demand for services is rising, funding is tightening, and expectations on governance and compliance continue to grow. While financial support remains vital, grants alone are no longer enough to help organisations thrive.
Community Trust South recognises that to create lasting impact, communities need more than funding – they need capability. They need the skills, knowledge, connections, and confidence to navigate change, adapt, and stay focused on the work that matters most.
Building on the foundations of its Grants Plus programme and the legacy of Connected Murihiku, Community Trust South has developed Capability Collective as a strategic response to this changing environment.
Community Trust South Strategy, Policy & Insights manager, and Capability Collective Lead, Jess Domigan, said that at its heart, Capability Collective is about empowering community organisations to fulfil their aspirations.
“Strong, capable organisations are essential to a thriving south. When communities have the right tools and support, they are better positioned to create lasting impact. Capability Collective exists so our community organisations can do more of what matters.”
Through Capability Collective, Community Trust South will continue to invest in the future of Murihiku by offering capability‑building support alongside funding. This will include practical tools, workshops, shared learning opportunities, and development support that can strengthen the foundations of community organisations. Over time, Capability Collective will also explore bespoke support options and opportunities to enable collaboration and shared services across the sector.
Guiding the Capability Collective is an Advisory Group made up of community sector representatives from across the rohe, ensuring this work remains grounded in lived experience and local realities. This group plays a vital role in shaping priority areas, aligning support with real community needs, and ensuring capability remains accessible, practical, and inclusive.
As a soft launch of Capability Collective, the Trust recently hosted Exult training provider Megan Thorn for two workshops on Sustainable Funding. Feedback from local organisations has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing both the demand for and the value of hands‑on capability development.
Community Trust South looks forward to delivering more workshops and learning opportunities in the coming months – working alongside communities to build resilience, confidence, and capability for the future.