My approach to strategy didn’t come from a boardroom. It was forged in a missionary upbringing, where the core ethics of serving others and meeting basic needs were not abstract ideas, but the daily rhythm of life. In that environment, “strategy” wasn’t about outmaneuvering a rival; it was about the most effective way to help a community thrive. It was a strategy of service, rooted in empathy and a deep commitment to the well-being of others. This is the guiding principle for the Community Organisation Vector Group Charitable Trust.
The Vector & The Hexagon: A Strategic Vision
The very name and logo of our organization are a testament to this strategic vision. A vector is an angle with direction and magnitude, signifying motion and a vision that moves beyond the peripheral. The name was chosen to represent this idea: a quantity with purposeful motion, determining the position of one point in space relative to another.
Our logo, designed by Steve, the founder of the Trust, is a physical representation of this philosophy. It contains sharp, angled letters V and G that resemble vectors, signifying our focused, forward-moving work. This dynamic element is enclosed by a hexagonal circle of community, a design chosen by the Te Puke youth we serve. The hexagon’s symbolism is deeply resonant with our mission: it represents Communication, Balance, Sincerity, Harmony, and Reliability. As one of the geometric shapes that occurs in nature, it reminds us that our strategy must work in harmony with our community’s natural rhythms.
The Digital Presence: A Strategy of Connection
This strategic vision, encapsulated in our logo, extends into every aspect of our work. Our online digital presence is a strategic tool for connection and transparency. We use web design to create an accessible platform that communicates our mission and impact. It’s a digital front door where our community can learn, engage, and find resources. Similarly, videography and photography are strategic storytelling tools that build trust and bridge divides, showcasing the real stories of the people we serve and the change we are helping to create.
Kai Resilience: A Strategy of Empowerment
This digital strategy ultimately supports our tangible, real-world impact. One of our most critical strategic initiatives is kai resilience—the ability for a community to sustain itself through food. We believe that true independence begins with food security. Our work in this area is a direct and powerful application of our core mission. We focus on building knowledge and self-sufficiency, moving communities from a position of dependency to one of agency and strength.
Ultimately, the strategy of the Vector Group Charitable Trust is a coherent plan that connects a missionary upbringing to modern social and community development. It’s a purposeful vision, embodied in a name and logo, that uses digital tools to tell the stories of our mahi and focuses on tangible goals like kai resilience to create a lasting impact. Our strategy is not about winning; it’s about serving, and in doing so, creating a more just and resilient world for all.
