First, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for writing "Getting to Grips with Not-for-Profit Governance".

I am currently involved in a whānau-led governance journey, working alongside our driving committee and trustees to help shape the strategic direction of our collective aspirations for our whenua, papakāinga, and future generations. As part of this process, I have been reading your book and have found it to be both practical and highly relevant.

What I particularly appreciate is your ability to explain governance concepts in a clear and accessible way. Governance can often seem complex or intimidating, especially for those who are stepping into trustee or committee roles for the first time. Your book breaks these concepts down into understandable and manageable parts, giving readers the confidence to engage more meaningfully in their roles.

One of the most valuable insights for me has been the distinction between governance and management. This clarification has helped our group better understand where our energy should be focused. On setting direction, protecting our kaupapa, and ensuring that our decisions support long-term outcomes rather than becoming absorbed in day-to-day operational matters.

Your emphasis on stewardship, strategic thinking, accountability, and succession planning resonates strongly with our own kaupapa. We are working to ensure that our governance structures are grounded in our values and are capable of protecting and growing our collective assets for the benefit of our mokopuna and generations to come.

Although I have not yet completed the entire book, the sections I have read have already provided significant value and have helped us frame our thinking in a more structured and purposeful way.

Thank you Pierre for sharing your knowledge and experience in such an approachable and practical format. Your work is making governance more accessible to communities like ours, and I appreciate the contribution your book is making to our journey.