Dear All,
We are delighted to share that the Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees has approved the Affiliations Committee’s recommendation to officially recognise Wikimedia Aotearoa New Zealand (WANZ) as a Wikimedia Chapter, effective 10 June 2025. This is a remarkable milestone that reflects WANZ’s dedication, resilience, and growing impact in advancing free knowledge and Wikimedia’s mission in New Zealand.
The journey to becoming a chapter is no small feat. It requires consistent community engagement, operational maturity, and a clear vision for the future. Over the years, WANZ has shown:
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A strong and transparent governance model, including the recruitment of an Executive Advisor to strengthen their operational capacity. -
Effective financial management, adopting Xero for streamlined accounting and increased efficiency. -
A commitment to sustainability, taking proactive steps to reduce volunteer burnout and ensure long-term growth. -
Active community leadership, organising impactful events, and fostering local partnerships to promote open knowledge.
As a chapter, WANZ will now have a stronger platform to collaborate with institutions, advocate for free knowledge, and offer even more support to the Wikimedia community in New Zealand. This recognition also opens new doors for strategic partnerships and greater influence in the region.
We are excited about this milestone in WANZ’s journey and look forward to seeing their continued contributions. Please join us in congratulating the Wikimedia Aotearoa New Zealand team on this well-earned achievement! Best regards,
Jeffrey Keefer Chair, Affiliations Committee