ABOUT US
LabOraNZ draws its name from the Latin phrase “Ora et labora” – prayer and work – which was and is used by monastic communities, and especially those following the Rule of St Benedict, to describe their goal of balancing practical work with deep reflection. Originally focused on providing computer software for churches, in more recent years LabOraNZ has branched out to include consultancy services in a variety of areas.
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Brian Dawson is the director of LabOraNZ. An ordained Anglican priest, Brian has spent twenty years working with churches looking for new and refreshing ways to order their lives and connect with their communities. Prior to joining the Church Brian worked in the broadcasting industry as an announcer and programmer. This unique set of experiences, combined with three decades of involvement in not-for-profit governance and management, sets Brian aside as an expert communicator, strategic planner and change manager.
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In more recent years Brian has served as an elected Councillor at Wellington City Council, where he led the Housing, Social Development and Living Wage Portfolios, and continues to work with local communities.
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Karen Matthews is a principal in LabOraNZ. With a background in economics and data analysis Karen provides budget and financial planning assistance to organisations looking for professional guidance. Also an ordained priest, Karen has spent a decade specialising in pastoral and therapeutic care and working with children and adults experiencing grief. As a quialified secondary teacher, Karen shares her skills and experience with maths and economics students at a low decile high school.
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OUR VISION
Churches, not-for-profit and social service agencies have faced massive changes in our communities over the past forty years. Many have relied on a vision established in the now-distant past to guide them through turbulent times, only to discover that the world their vision was shaped by no longer exists. Many of these groups and organisations know their context has changed, but find themselves so focused on their immediate challenges that seeing the bigger picture becomes difficult.
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LabOraNZ aims to assist groups that are committed to reflecting deeply on the work they do, and help them find ways to do it even better. We specialise in working with churches, social enterprises and not-for-profit organisations , but can mould our approach to fit with virtually any organisation. Ultimately we want to help others work through necessary change, so that they can continue to change the world for the better