A restored and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand

In te reo Māori, Whakatupu (verb) means to thrive, grow, or cultivate.

 
 
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Who we are

 

We are philanthropic investors with a focus on our environment, our people and our communities. We are driven by a shared ambition to create positive social and environment change through strategic philanthropic giving and impact investment. 

Our primary funder is Tax Management New Zealand (TMNZ), a business founded by Ian and Wendy Kuperus.

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Our approach

 

We use a strategic, systems-level approach to philanthropic giving and investment.

  • We look for and act on opportunities that can catalyse significant change. 

  • We collaborate with others (individuals, companies, organisations) and wholeheartedly seek to continue learning and growing.

  • We accept the nature of risk and take a long-term view – investing in innovative ideas and passionate people who are committed to tackling the root cause/s of significant issues.

  • We believe that the market has a significant role to play in accelerating change, so we seek to invest in these opportunities where possible.

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Our investments

 

Our investment activity covers both our philanthropic giving and impact capital including:

  • Grant and donation funding

  • Responding to crisis events

  • Early stage technology and innovation investment

  • Impact-focused investments

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Get in touch with us

 

We are keen to find out more about what you do and connect, please get in touch at hello@whakatupu.org.nz

As a strategic funder, applications for funding are by invitation only.

Photo: Lake Tekapo, New Zealand – Tobias Keller on Unsplash