Connecting People has a simple but significant philosophy through all its work: to connect people and communities to build a better future.
Since its creation in 2015, Connecting People has worked with local, and regional communities, groups, organisations and agencies in New Zealand, as well as local and central government. We work collaboratively to develop creative and innovative services, projects and programmes that aim to make Aotearoa, New Zealand a better place.
At Connecting People we’re not just consultants we’re deeply passionate humans, who care deeply about people and communities. We consider it a privilege to walk alongside others on their journey.
At Connecting People we take the time to get to know you, to understand who you are, where’re you’ve come from and where you want to get to. We’re pragmatic, action focused and professional. We’re expert facilitators. We manage processes/projects end to end using tried and true methodologies.
We are genuine and authentic in everything we do, we act with honesty, openness and accountability.
We are passionate about making a difference and aim to have a lasting impact – strong, trusted and respectful relationships are at our core.
We are committed to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, we honour Te ao Maori approaches and acknowledge mana whenua status.
We are creative, flexible and innovative engaging all voices in important conversation is important to us.
Managing Director, Sandra James, is a skilled facilitator, motivator, innovator and collaborator. She has brought together a passionate and creative team of people, with a wide range of complementary skills, so that Connecting People can deliver the best outcomes every time.
Growing up in a Four Square store in a small rural Canterbury town during the 1970s, Sandra James—founder and Managing Director of Connecting People—learned early on about the power of human connection and the importance of community. Those formative experiences showed Sandra that even the smallest communities can achieve remarkable things, and that every transformative idea often begins with humble roots.
With over 30 years of experience in the community sector, Sandra has worked across central and local government as well as not-for-profit organisations. In 2015, she founded Connecting People to further her passion for building strong, connected communities.
Throughout her career, Sandra has played a key role in establishing and supporting several nationally significant programmes. Before launching Connecting People, she spent nearly two decades in local government, specialising in community development, developing strong partnerships and relationships at all levels to create systems change and championing community-led initiatives that fostered vibrant, resilient neighbourhoods.
During her 19 years at Waimakariri District Council, Sandra established a World Health Organisation Safe Community pilot and was part of the award-winning Recovery Management Team ; she was responsible for setting up and leading the community and social recovery programmes after the 2010 Canterbury Earthquakes.
Since then, Sandra has led or advised on 14 disaster recovery programmes across Aotearoa New Zealand. Her recent work includes contributions to the Tāmaki Makaurau Recovery Office and the Tararua District following Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. She has also co-authored a practical guide, Social Recovery 101, for anyone tasked with leading community and social recovery efforts.
Sandra has expertise in facilitation, community development, and innovative stakeholder engagement. She also brings extensive experience in project management, strategic planning, and organisational development.
Her influence extends through strong relationships and networks at local, regional, national, and international levels—spanning government, NGOs, and community sectors.
Giving back is central to Sandra’s life. She serves as a Trustee on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust. She is also a passionate marriage and funeral celebrant, finding joy in helping people mark life’s special moments.
Sandra lives in Rangiora with her husband. Together, they have three great children and a growing number of gorgeous grandchildren.
Robyn brings over 30 years of experience in strategic partnerships, stakeholder engagement, and community-led development. While much of her career has been in local government, she has also worked in central government, primary health, and, most recently, as a consultant in the recreation and sport sector.
She has held a range of senior leadership roles, building strong relationships and leading impactful projects in partnership with iwi, central government, and communities.
Robyn is passionate about amplifying community voices and co-designing outcomes that are meaningful, inclusive, and lasting. Her expertise spans engagement, programme design and review, governance, and facility and strategic planning — all grounded in a strong commitment to community wellbeing.
Project highlights include the Rugby World Cup 2011, developing the Christchurch Red Cross Recovery Strategy following the Canterbury earthquakes, serving as relationship manager for the Eastern Porirua Regeneration housing programme, and shaping recreation and community spaces across Aotearoa.
Based in Wānaka, Robyn continues to support strong, connected, and thriving communities throughout New Zealand.
Sandy is an experienced senior manager, researcher, business owner, and director. She has worked across a range of levels from national and local government through public health agencies and across multiple NGOs. Her talent is a practical attitude to ensure things move forward and projects meet their identified aims. Sandy has strong leadership skills, her other key strengths and values are honesty and perspective.
Sandys career has included pure and applied research, including building her own research firm, funding of public health services and senior leadership roles in health. She completed my Masters in Public Health in 2001 with distinction. Sandy also has also provided governance oversight to a portfolio of organisations, largely in the NGO sector. The interest in best-practice governance came through obtaining the Institute of Directors Certificate in Company Direction and in 2007 attending the Policy Governance® academy in America led by Dr John Carver. Sandy continues to contribute at governance level on several boards.
Connecting People is proud to work with passionate, committed people,<br /> communities and organisations that are committed to community wellbeing and development.
Connecting People is proud to work with passionate, committed people, communities and organisations that are committed to community wellbeing and development.
Sandra is a highly skilled and experienced advisor and facilitator of developing communities and undertaking social recovery from disaster. She is passionately committed to the innate strength in community and seeks to bring the best out in people and community engagement situations with this always in mind. It’s been my pleasure to work with her in a variety of contexts for close to 15 years
I have known Sandra James for the the past 4 years. Any time I have needed some advice with regards to a variety of issues. Sandra has always been available and willing to spend time with me. Her vast knowledge of community and non profits, funding etc make her my go to person when I need help.
I highly recommend her.
I worked alongside Sandra James where she managed a large team of community and Government agencies for 5 years. In that time I observed that it is rare to meet someone as organised and calm as Sandra. She always knew exactly where every project was at, and also what needed to be done daily. Nothing seemed to faze her no matter how frantic or how much turmoil people’s lives were in. Sandra was always a sea of calm. At team meetings Sandra would always help us meet deadlines and tackle every task with a smile.
Sandra crafted our first welfare plan for the city and throughout the development of this document also managed to create a wonderful training opportunity for the Welfare Managers as we worked through each section – planning and learning!