Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation

Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation is a philanthropic trust established in 2020 by Ian and Wendy Kuperus, founders of Tax Management New Zealand (TMNZ). The foundation is dedicated to catalyzing transformation in New Zealand's environment and communities by investing in innovative startups with high growth potential. Their mission is to support a resilient natural environment and thriving communities for future generations.

The foundation employs a strategic, systems-level approach to philanthropic giving and impact investment. They focus on opportunities that can catalyze significant change, collaborate with various stakeholders, and take a long-term view by investing in innovative ideas and passionate individuals committed to addressing the root causes of significant issues. Their investment activities include grant and donation funding, responding to crisis events, early-stage technology and innovation investment, and impact-focused investments.

Whakatupu Aotearoa Foundation's impact focus areas include responding to climate change, environmental degradation, declining biodiversity, and waste mitigation. They aim to restore and rebuild natural habitats and ecosystems, supporting entrepreneurs and companies developing breakthrough solutions for a lower-emission economy and addressing pervasive social challenges. The foundation also invests in impact-focused opportunities that demonstrate positive community and environmental impact alongside sustainable financial returns.