Carolyn Smith

Kia ora, I'm Carolyn Smith, founder of Woven Collaboration.

The name comes from the whakataukī: “Nau te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora ai te iwi” – with your basket and mine, the people will thrive. It speaks to the power of bringing our strengths together to create something greater. I also draw inspiration from the idea that many strands woven together form a strong rope.

That’s what I do—help people and organisations weave their ideas, experiences, and aspirations into shared plans that create real impact.

What I Do

I work with not-for-profits, community groups, NGO's, government agencies, and social enterprises across Aotearoa. My focus is on inclusive facilitation, strategic planning, and governance support that brings people together to:

• Clarify purpose and direction

• Co-create practical, achievable plans

• Strengthen collaboration and partnerships

• Measure and communicate impact

I design and facilitate workshops and hui—both in-person and online—that are engaging, inclusive, and tailored to your needs. Whether it's developing a strategic plan, a board planning day, a multi-agency strategy session, or a community kōrero, I create spaces where everyone feels heard and valued.

My Background

I bring over 20 years of experience in strategic communications, community engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. Before starting Woven Collaboration, I held leadership roles in national programmes like Predator Free 2050, Jobs for Nature, and Landscape Scale Restoration, and Partnerships. 

I'm a trained and accredited facilitator, mediator, and strategic planner, with qualifications from Massey University, the University of Canterbury, and the Resolution Institute. I'm also a certified practitioner in public participation design (IAP2) and an accredited member of the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand.

Giving Back

Supporting others is important to me. I volunteer as an impact coach for school principals through Springboard Trust, mentor emerging community leaders with Volunteering Northland and Mentoring NZ, women in business via OneupOneDown, co-host a women's accountability group for women business owners and community leaders, a Trustee with Whangārei Festivals Trust, and help out with events at OneOneSix community venue in Whangārei.

Outside of Work

When I'm not working, you'll find me spending time with whānau and friends, exploring beautiful places, and enjoying the outdoors.

Let's work together to weave our ideas, experiences, and aspirations into a strong, unified plan that makes a difference.

Mauri ora, Carolyn