Independent facilitation for boards and leaders to help people reach agreement, make decisions and move forward together.

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What clients say 

Internal collaboration and team development
Shoma Prasad, Principal Engagement Advisor - Local Boards, Auckland Council

"Thank you so much for your openness and flexibility over the last two days. The Engagement Advisor cohort was incredibly appreciative of the safe space you created for them to openly share thoughts, challenges, and experiences"

Bringing different perspectives into a shared direction
Louise Saunders, CEO, Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust.

"Her facilitation helped distill our diverse perspectives into a cohesive logical structure, and we appreciated the time she allowed for important conversations and finding the commonalities in our diverse group."

Building clarity, alignment and commitment within governance roles
Hanariki Mā, Chairperson, Northland Youth Theatre.

“This has been a highly impactful process helping our entire board to understand governance better, identify our gaps & goals and create a plan that inspires us into action. As a result, we are united as a board, clear on our roles and alive with the values of our organisation.”

When to call

Your board needs a strategic plan, greater clarity, direction and alignment

You need to agree direction, priorities, roles or ways of working so everyone is clear on the pathway forward, and their part in delivering results.

An important project or idea needs shaping

You need to bring the right people together to explore, plan, make decisions and follow through.

The team needs to reach consensus  to map a way forward together

There are different perspectives, priorities or interests to work through before you can reach agreement and move ahead.

Organisations or communities need to work together on something important

You need to bring agencies, partners, stakeholders, iwi, hapū or communities together around a shared issue, opportunity or outcome.

You want to set a collaboration up well from the beginning

You're starting something new and want to be clear about the purpose, involve the right people and create the conditions for people to work well together.

You need to get traction, but you're going around in circles

The conversations keep happening, but decisions aren't being made, priorities remain unclear or agreements aren't being followed through.

Why consider an independent facilitator?
An independent facilitator can help:

  • Encourage different voices to contribute, and create a fair, inclusive space.
  • Design a process and activities that works for your purpose, people and context. 
  • Work through difficult issues without tension derailing progress.
  • Keep conversations moving towards decisions and action.
  • Protect relationships while working through differences.
  • Let you participate fully rather than facilitating at the same time.

Independent facilitation isn't needed for every situation. 

When it is, having someone who isn't tied to a particular position or outcome can be really valuable to help people work through ideas and options, and find a way forward together.

Case Studies

Examples of how I’ve helped people work together to achieve something important.

The Sisterhood, Jakarta - The Sisterhood, an NGO supporting refugee women in Jakarta, wanted to develop its first strategic plan. From New Zealand, I designed and facilitated a series of online workshops with the leadership team to help them agree their direction and priorities for the future. The result has seen a step change in The Sisterhood's profile to potential supporters and funders globally, and the impact it is making for refugee women.
Kate Edgar Foundation Board - I facilitated the board of the Kate Edgar Foundation to explore their future aspirations for this social enterprise. We worked through how to grow their impact and what would need to prioritised to make that happen. Now they have a clear plan to guide their work providing education grants for women, funded through its academic hire social enterprise.
Hapū, marae and DOC community collaboration - Turning local aspirations into plans. I helped whānau from hapū, marae groups and trusts, together with Department of Conservation staff to explore their aspirations for taiao and hāpori projects in their rohe. Each rōpu (group) left with a clear future vision and a practical roadmap to guide them forward.
Rule Foundation Hui - Allocating funding to organisations working with rainbow communities across Te Tai Tokerau/Northland. Rule Foundation wanted to try something different. Instead of taking funding applications, they decided to devolve decision-making on funding allocation to the groups themselves. Bringing diverse groups together, each with a strong vested interest, to decide how to allocate funding amongst themselves requires skilled facilitation. I used a consensus decision-making process, starting with inviting participants to establish a set of agreed values and principles up front to guide the decision-making process. By the end of the day, there was shared agreement on how the money was to be allocated, with a feeling of excitement about the impact this investment would make for our rainbow communities.
Department of Conservation and Conservation Boards - The role of Conservation Boards has not always been clear to Department of Conservation staff and the Boards themselves. I facilitated a series of strategy workshops across Te Tai Tokerau, beginning with a shared session between Te Tai Tokerau operational leaders and Board representatives, then individually with the Te Tai Tokerau and Te Hiku Boards. By the end of the series the Boards and Operational leaders understood the opportunities and impact they could create collectively. Each board had its own roadmap, giving them confidence on how they could invest their limited time and resources to maximise the impact they could make for conservation in the region. They knew the role each of them would play to harness their strengths and networks to grow that impact.
Northland businesses - Northland NZ asked me to deliver a series of business continuity planning workshops (online and in person) across Te Tai Tokerau. Each business left with practical ideas and a good understanding of what they needed to consider and plan for in order to future-proof their business against the impacts of severe disruptions, such as floods, cyclones, power outages and road closures - common occurrences in this region.
Strategic Planning for Communities - Through funding from DIA, and in partnership with Volunteering Northland, I delivered a series of online and in person strategic planning workshops across Te Tai Tokerau for boards of community organisations. After 11 workshops every board, representing nearly 40 community organisations, could confidently articulate exactly why their organisation existed, who they served and the unique impact they created. They knew where they wanted to be in 5 years time, what they needed to prioritise to get there, and how they would check progress and prove their success. They also left with a stronger commitment to their kaupapa, and to each other. Many described being part of the creative, interactive and inclusive process as 'the best team building day we have ever had.'
Social resilience planning - I was brought in by Nature Positive to help with a national social resilience for rural communities initiative, funded by MPI. I designed and facilitated a series of regional and national, in-person and online sessions for agencies and NGO's working with rural communities as well as hapū-led and community catchment groups. The workshops helped them explore what social resilience meant to them, where they were already strong, and where they may need to focus in more. Through the conversations, the different sectors recognised the complimentary support they could offer each other, and the importance of considering the wellbeing of people alongside their focus on environmental restoration. Agencies got to hear from hapū how to better engage with marae. Through experiential activities, participants learnt the importance of building connection first in order to open the door to more honest and open conversations. Each participant left with practical ideas they could take forward into their mahi and in future planning.
Kauri Ora Wānanga - Facilitating representatives from iwi and hapū, Auckland, Northland and Waikato Regional Councils, MPI and DOC to co-design a project planning template for Kauri Ora projects. Over two days I guided the participants through a co-design process. They explored what was needed to set projects up for success in a way that respected the diverse needs, values and perspectives. They also looked at how to incorporate Mātauranga Māori and Western Science. The result was a template that everyone supported and agreed to apply to future planning.
Marine education hui - Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust asked me to facilitate an information sharing and planning day for agencies, community organisations, NGO's and hapū involved in marine conservation. I lay down a challenge to presenters-no PowerPoint. What emerged was a 'show and tell' experience, where people shared objects, maps, practical tools and objects to illustrate their kōrero. By the end of the day people had not only heard what was happening, they had also discussed how they could work together, what they wanted to give priority to, and what actions they would follow up on. And the feedback on the approach was overwhelmingly positive: "so much more engaging without staring at a screen" - "wonderful to not have PowerPoint!"

The Sisterhood, Jakarta - The Sisterhood, an NGO supporting refugee women in Jakarta, wanted to develop its first strategic plan. From New Zealand, I designed and facilitated a series of online workshops with the leadership team to help them agree their direction and priorities for the future. The result has seen a step change in The Sisterhood's profile to potential supporters and funders globally, and the impact it is making for refugee women.
Kate Edgar Foundation Board - I facilitated the board of the Kate Edgar Foundation to explore their future aspirations for this social enterprise. We worked through how to grow their impact and what would need to prioritised to make that happen. Now they have a clear plan to guide their work providing education grants for women, funded through its academic hire social enterprise.
Hapū, marae and DOC community collaboration - Turning local aspirations into plans. I helped whānau from hapū, marae groups and trusts, together with Department of Conservation staff to explore their aspirations for taiao and hāpori projects in their rohe. Each rōpu (group) left with a clear future vision and a practical roadmap to guide them forward.
Rule Foundation Hui - Allocating funding to organisations working with rainbow communities across Te Tai Tokerau/Northland. Rule Foundation wanted to try something different. Instead of taking funding applications, they decided to devolve decision-making on funding allocation to the groups themselves. Bringing diverse groups together, each with a strong vested interest, to decide how to allocate funding amongst themselves requires skilled facilitation. I used a consensus decision-making process, starting with inviting participants to establish a set of agreed values and principles up front to guide the decision-making process. By the end of the day, there was shared agreement on how the money was to be allocated, with a feeling of excitement about the impact this investment would make for our rainbow communities.
Department of Conservation and Conservation Boards - The role of Conservation Boards has not always been clear to Department of Conservation staff and the Boards themselves. I facilitated a series of strategy workshops across Te Tai Tokerau, beginning with a shared session between Te Tai Tokerau operational leaders and Board representatives, then individually with the Te Tai Tokerau and Te Hiku Boards. By the end of the series the Boards and Operational leaders understood the opportunities and impact they could create collectively. Each board had its own roadmap, giving them confidence on how they could invest their limited time and resources to maximise the impact they could make for conservation in the region. They knew the role each of them would play to harness their strengths and networks to grow that impact.
Northland businesses - Northland NZ asked me to deliver a series of business continuity planning workshops (online and in person) across Te Tai Tokerau. Each business left with practical ideas and a good understanding of what they needed to consider and plan for in order to future-proof their business against the impacts of severe disruptions, such as floods, cyclones, power outages and road closures - common occurrences in this region.
Strategic Planning for Communities - Through funding from DIA, and in partnership with Volunteering Northland, I delivered a series of online and in person strategic planning workshops across Te Tai Tokerau for boards of community organisations. After 11 workshops every board, representing nearly 40 community organisations, could confidently articulate exactly why their organisation existed, who they served and the unique impact they created. They knew where they wanted to be in 5 years time, what they needed to prioritise to get there, and how they would check progress and prove their success. They also left with a stronger commitment to their kaupapa, and to each other. Many described being part of the creative, interactive and inclusive process as 'the best team building day we have ever had.'
Social resilience planning - I was brought in by Nature Positive to help with a national social resilience for rural communities initiative, funded by MPI. I designed and facilitated a series of regional and national, in-person and online sessions for agencies and NGO's working with rural communities as well as hapū-led and community catchment groups. The workshops helped them explore what social resilience meant to them, where they were already strong, and where they may need to focus in more. Through the conversations, the different sectors recognised the complimentary support they could offer each other, and the importance of considering the wellbeing of people alongside their focus on environmental restoration. Agencies got to hear from hapū how to better engage with marae. Through experiential activities, participants learnt the importance of building connection first in order to open the door to more honest and open conversations. Each participant left with practical ideas they could take forward into their mahi and in future planning.
Kauri Ora Wānanga - Facilitating representatives from iwi and hapū, Auckland, Northland and Waikato Regional Councils, MPI and DOC to co-design a project planning template for Kauri Ora projects. Over two days I guided the participants through a co-design process. They explored what was needed to set projects up for success in a way that respected the diverse needs, values and perspectives. They also looked at how to incorporate Mātauranga Māori and Western Science. The result was a template that everyone supported and agreed to apply to future planning.
Marine education hui - Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust asked me to facilitate an information sharing and planning day for agencies, community organisations, NGO's and hapū involved in marine conservation. I lay down a challenge to presenters-no PowerPoint. What emerged was a 'show and tell' experience, where people shared objects, maps, practical tools and objects to illustrate their kōrero. By the end of the day people had not only heard what was happening, they had also discussed how they could work together, what they wanted to give priority to, and what actions they would follow up on. And the feedback on the approach was overwhelmingly positive: "so much more engaging without staring at a screen" - "wonderful to not have PowerPoint!"

About

Carolyn Smith

Collaboration & Facilitation Specialist

I help people work together to plan, make decisions and move forward. For more than 25 years, I’ve worked with people tackling important issues where no one person, team or organisation has all the answers.

Let’s talk about what you’re working through
You don't need to know exactly what kind of support you need. Tell me what you're trying to achieve, who's involved and where things feel challenging. We can talk through what's happening, what might help, and whether I’m the right person to support you.
Let's talk

Common Questions

Is independent facilitation worth the investment?

When a group of busy people spends hours in meetings that go in circles, avoids difficult issues or leave without clear decisions and ownership, that already has a cost.

Independent facilitation is most valuable when the outcome matters enough to get the process right. 

A well-designed and facilitated process can help people use their time well, bring different perspectives into the decision, work through difficult issues and leave with greater clarity, ownership and commitment to what happens next.

What does it cost?

The cost depends on what you're trying to achieve, who's involved and the level of support you need.

You don't necessarily need to bring me in to lead the whole process. I can provide coaching and advice to help you lead it yourself, work alongside you at key stages, or take responsibility for designing and facilitating the whole process.

We'll talk first about what you're trying to achieve and the support that would add the most value. You'll know the cost and what's included before deciding whether to proceed.


How do I know whether we need outside support?

You may not. Sometimes you simply need advice or coaching to help you lead the work yourself. 

In other situations, having someone independent design or facilitate the process can make a significant difference.

It may be worth considering outside support when conversations are going in circles, different interests or power dynamics need careful handling, important issues aren't being discussed, you need to participate fully yourself, or the outcome needs to be seen as fair and credible.


Testimonials

 We were delighted with the work that Carolyn did with us. I Have a Dream is a genuinely unique kaupapa. Deeply committed to our mission of transforming the lives of tamariki and rangatahi in Aotearoa while also continuously embedding kaupapa Māori approaches into our mahi, as well as continuing our journey as an organisation operating under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. Carolyn did a great job of quickly gaining an understanding of all of that and adapting and customising the strategic and operational planning processes accordingly. All of the sessions that she facilitated were very inclusive and everyone felt strongly supported by her. The end outcomes are an excellent set of roadmaps that will really help guide the direction and success of the organisation over the next 3 – 5 years. 

Chris Twiss, CEO, I Have a Dream Charitable Trust.
I designed and facilitated the development of a refreshed operating model, strategic plan, operating plan and communications plan. for this youth education and empowerment trust.

 Carolyn facilitated a series of workshops for two of our Conservation Boards to assist them in developing three-year strategic plans. These were highly successful, and those involved enjoyed the innovative way she went about ensuring everyone was fully engaged through the process. Instead of using electronic aids Carolyn deployed a lot of physical, hands-on methods to get very constructive contributions from our board members. Everyone came away from the process reinvigorated and engaged. 

Phelan Pirrie, Statutory Manager, Department of Conservation, Northern North Island.
I designed and facilitated a working collaboratively and being honorable Tiriti partners session for the Boards and Department of Conservation regional leaders. This was followed by individual sessions with each Board to develop their respective strategic plan.

 Carolyn pulled together a two-day (kauri ora planning wānanga) workshop incredibly quickly and it went off without a hitch. The space was set well, the sessions were productive and inclusive, and the outcomes were incredibly useful. 

Alana (Lana) Webb (she / her), Acting Manager - Tiakina Kauri | Kauri Protection Biosecurity New Zealand - Tiakitanga Pūtaiao Aotearoa | Ministry for Primary Industries - Manatū Ahu Matua.
I designed and facilitated a two day wānanga on a local marae with iwi/hapū, MPI, DOC, Auckland Council reps to co-design a planning tool for kauri protection projects over a 2-day wānanga.

 The two days we spent together were the most valuable from a team building perspective. I have already started using the new definitions of our values – its so much easier to describe and work towards as a result. 

Jensen Webber, CEO, Mahitahi Hauora PHO
I ran a two part team charter review and refresh session for the Senior Leadership Team.

 As a board, we feel incredibly fortunate to have worked alongside Carolyn Smith from Woven Collaboration. Carolyn brought energy, creativity, and fresh perspectives that challenged us to think deeply about our purpose. Her positivity and ability to keep us focused ensured we made the most of every session. I wholeheartedly recommend Carolyn to anyone seeking governance support or facilitation. She truly is an inspiration—I wish I could bottle her enthusiasm! 

Stacey Beattie, Chair, Kauri Coast Recreational Society Incorporated
I provided governance training to the board over a 4 month period.

 Carolyn's strategic planning session was nothing short of transformative. In just one day, she skillfully guided us through the process, helping us craft a 5-year vision, concise 3-year strategic goals, actionable 2-year strategic initiatives, and measurable success indicators. What sets Carolyn apart is her ability to infuse excitement and creativity into what can often be a dry and daunting task. With her guidance, strategic planning became an enjoyable journey of discovery, and the results speak for themselves. We now have a roadmap that not only charts our course for the future but also ignites our passion to achieve it. Carolyn truly puts the "fun" in strategic planning, making her an invaluable asset to any organization. 

Jessie Manney, Manager, Volunteering Northland.
I designed and facilitated a strategic planning session with the Board and Manager.

 I'm most grateful for Carolyn's inclusive approach. She created a safe space for us to wānanga and brought everyone in the room into the conversation. She allowed me to sit with any discomfort comfortably and supported me to unpack my thoughts. Her professional expertise aligned with our organisation's needs and goals and I was treated to a journey of redefine and redesign. I'm elated with the outcome reached. 

Mo Matautia-Tepania, Navigator Manager, I Have a Dream Charitable Trust.
I worked with Mo and the Senior Leadership Team to redefine their operating model, develop a strategic plan, a communications plan to support the new direction, and an operational plan to implement the outcomes.

 If you are looking for a real down to earth, pragmatic and knowledgeable strategist, Carolyn is it! Carolyn very skillfully helped our community organisation governance team chart and agree a team charter, initial strategic priorities, and a work programme with actual tangible actions and timeframes! She not only understands governance and organisational strategy, she's a brilliant and engaging communicator, mobiliser (she could keep all of us on task, online!), great at using interactive online tools and flexible enough to do away with them if needed, and best of all - she delivered exactly what we had agreed, under incredible time pressure. Our new team of 14 now has a strong foundation to guide us on our journey to engage New Zealanders on the work of the United Nations. I would work with Carolyn again in a heartbeat. 

Martine Udahemuka, Wellington Branch President - United Nations Association of New Zealand.
I designed and facilitated the development of a team charter and strategic plan with the Committee Directors via two online sessions.

 Carolyn has fantastic skills in strategic thinking, impactful communication and facilitation. I’ve worked with Carolyn on a range of strategic development pathways and she has facilitated workshops for me. She is able to think how to get the best out of hui and how to communicate our work with real impact. 

Lian Butcher, former Deputy Director General, Partnerships, Department of Conservation
I supported Lian with group strategy, facilitating cross agency partnerships, and communications leadership.

 Carolyn was asked to lead our organisation in a discussion around our future. She provided excellent facilitation and tools to help our team and Board understand what our current situation was and then highlight focus areas for the future we agreed were important, were achievable and had a doable timeframe. Carolyn condensed this information to fit on one page which made it easy to engage our volunteers, to show our funders we have a plan and to keep us on track - invaluable for not only our Board but also our team of volunteers. 

Cindy Borrie, Chair, Whangarei Citizens Advice Bureau.
I designed and facilitated a series of strategic planning sessions for the Board and staff.

 Thank you so much for your openness and flexibility over the last two days. The Engagement Advisor cohort was incredibly appreciative of the safe space you created for them to openly share thoughts, challenges, and experiences — including matters that may have been outside the formal scope of the workshop, but are very much part of the wider mahi. 

Shoma Prasad, Principal Engagement Advisor - Local Boards, Auckland Council
I ran a two day co-design workshop with a team of local board Engagement Advisors to co-design a fit for purpose engagement strategy template, implementation plan template and measurement options.

 This has been a highly impactful process helping our entire board to understand governance better, identify our gaps & goals and create a plan that inspires us into action. As a result, we are united as a board, clear on our roles and alive with the values of our organisation. 

Hanariki Mā, Chairperson, Northland Youth Theatre.
I provided Governance coaching and mentoring through a contract with Community Governance Aotearoa

 Carolyn facilitated Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust with identifying values and principles of the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project's vision and mission. Over two sessions, she guided our trustees through identifying goals, strategic initiatives, and success measures. Her facilitation helped distill our diverse perspectives into a cohesive logical structure, and we appreciated the time she allowed for important conversations and finding the commonalities in our diverse group. 

Louise Saunders, CEO, Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust.
Co-governance Trust with equal iwi and community representation, working towards the restoration of the Kaimai Mamaku Forest range

 Through collaborative strategic planning, both within the organisation and with partners from businesses, to government to communities, Carolyn initiated a step change in nature conservation and the links to social development in her role. Carolyn is also a brilliant facilitator and worked to facilitate a wide range of collaborative initiatives across the motu with businesses and local government. 

Angela Mayson, former Partnerships Director, Department of Conservation
I worked with Angela while developing significant partnerships and engagement stategies involving key national and regional organisations.
  

Costs

Coaching

Coaching

From $300 + GST. Experienced advice and practical support to help you confidently lead a collaborative workshop, planning session or initiative yourself.

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One off facilitation

One off facilitation

From $2,200 + GST. For when you need an independent facilitator to design and lead a particular meeting, workshop or strategic planning session.

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Multi-stage facilitation & support

Multi-stage facilitation & support

Generally from $8,000 + GST. For work that needs several connected stages. I help you set it up well, support the parts where I can add most value, and build in clear accountability and review.

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How well is your collaboration working?
Download the free Collaborative Strengths Assessment to take a practical look at what sets collaboration up for success. It can help you see what's working well and where more attention may be needed.  It also includes suggestions to strengthen any gaps.
You can use it with your board or team, or bring it to a conversation with me if you'd like another perspective.

Women Who Follow Through

A six-month coaching and accountability programme for women who want to turn their priorities into action. Women Who Follow Through combines individual coaching, a small supportive group and practical approaches to help you focus on what matters, use your time intentionally and follow through on the things you want to achieve.

Women Who Follow Through

Women Who Follow Through

A small group, facilitated, online time management training programme for women leaders and business owners keen for support to get to their goals.

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