From Disruption to Resilience

Kia ora everyone. Welcome to our new visitors to the cuppa space. This week, our 100,000 Cups of Tea kōrero centred on an important and timely question: How do we turn moments of disruption into opportunities for resilience? Our yarn highlighted the power of collective action, the need to create safe spaces for expression, and the importance of planning with clarity and purpose.

A Climate of Tension and Pressure

The kōrero began by acknowledging the growing strain many are experiencing in their communities. One participant noted, “People are spinning out in a rage over small things that they’d usually shrug off—it feels like the last straw for many.” This was echoed across the discussion, with reflections on how financial hardships, job losses, and political polarisation have intensified frustration and fear.

Yet, amidst these tensions, participants also recognised an opportunity to foster understanding and connection. As one shared, “Even in this pressure, we see openings to bring people together—to connect across differences and build stronger, supportive networks.”

Disruption as a Catalyst for Connection

One participant shared an inspiring example from West Auckland, where 40 organisations faced significant funding cuts. Rather than retreating into silos, these groups came together to kōrero and explore ways forward - “In that room, you could feel the shift—people realised they weren’t alone. The collective voice gave them the courage to think differently and collaborate for solutions.” This story reminds us that even amidst the most challenging disruptions, there is power in collective connection.

Navigating Sensitively

We talked about thing to be mindful of working across divides, particularly in spaces where opposing views coexist. This point resonated with another story about navigating among people and places where historic trauma exists: “It’s critical to let people voice their anger and frustration before confronting the source of the injustice. But after that, it’s time to plan and take united action.”

Turning Disruption into Opportunity

Throughout the kōrero, one recurring theme was the ability to turn challenging moments into opportunities for growth and change. As one participant put it: “Disruption doesn’t have to mean chaos. It’s a chance to overturn old systems and create something stronger, like the regrowth after a forest fire.” Another added: “What matters is how we come together, how we address pain points, and how we move forward as a collective. That’s where true resilience lies.”

Learning from Nature: Resilience Through Renewal

Drawing inspiration from the Taiao-natural systems, a participant likened disruption to a forest fire: *"After destruction, the soil turns, and stronger systems emerge. Out of adversity, there’s always potential for renewal."*This perspective framed disruption as a chance to nurture growth, foster innovation, and build stronger foundations.

Turning Disruption into Resilience: A Simple Process

As the kōrero unfolded, the group organically surfaced some practical steps and a process for navigating:

1. Identify the Pain Points – Understand the root challenges affecting the community.
2. Create Space to Vent – Allow emotional release to foster clarity.
3. Act as a Collective – Use unified voices to amplify impact.
4. Find the Leaders – Identify those who can guide and support the group.
5. Leverage Strengths – Recognise and activate individual and collective capabilities.
6. Plan Strategically – Develop clear, actionable steps to move forward.

A Final Reflection

One participant captured the essence of our kōrero beautifully:
"Resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm—it’s about finding ways to connect, build strength, and thrive together in its aftermath."

Ngā mihi nui,
Arama and the Walk Together Team