Who we are
Ko wai mātou
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is a leading provider of insights and experiences that help equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia. In doing so, we contribute to New Zealand’s prosperity, security, society and development.
As New Zealand’s ties with Asia evolve, it is increasingly important that we are well equipped to navigate the region. Strengthening our understanding, capability and connections across Asia will help New Zealand seize opportunities and respond to challenges with greater confidence.
Asia New Zealand Foundation strategic plan 2025 - 2028
What we do
The Foundation works in partnership with influential individuals and organisations in New Zealand and Asia to provide forums, cultural events, international collaborations and professional development opportunities. We also produce research and insights that shed light on New Zealand's connections and relationships in the region.
What we offer in Asia
The Foundation offers internships, grants and residencies for New Zealanders to visit Asia to learn about their areas of work and experience first-hand the dynamism and diversity of the region.
We also organize sector-specific delegations to Asian countries, helping participants expand their expertise and build valuable industry connections.
What we offer in New Zealand
We help New Zealanders build their knowledge of Asia through supporting activities that put Asian countries and cultures in the spotlight. This includes bringing sector-specific experts from Asia to engage with New Zealand audiences, such as artists presenting about their works and entrepreneurs speaking at business events.
Research and Insights
The Foundation provides indepth research and expert analysis that provides insights into how New Zealand, and New Zealanders, engage with Asia.
Our research and analysis guide the Foundation’s initiatives and foster informed public discussions on New Zealand’s relationships within the region.
Our areas of work
The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through a range of programmes:
Arts
Our arts programme supports creative and cultural exchange between New Zealand and Asia. We do this by creating opportunities for New Zealand arts-sector leaders to deepen their understanding of their fields in Asia and build authentic, long-term connections with their counterparts across the region.
Our business programme provides New Zealand businesspeople with opportunities to build the knowledge and connections needed to make the most of what Asia has to offer. We do this by connecting New Zealand businesspeople with Asian markets, industries and networks, while supporting the next generation of business leaders to become Asia-capable.
Entrepreneurship
Our entrepreneurship programme supports New Zealand entrepreneurs to unlock opportunities in Asia. We do this by connecting New Zealand entrepreneurs with their Asian counterparts, creating opportunities to share insights, build relationships and explore new opportunities.
Leadership
Our Leadership Network supports the next generation of New Zealand leaders to engage confidently and effectively with Asia. We do this by equipping members with the knowledge, connections and leadership skills they need to engage with the region.
Media
Our media programme is delivered by the independent Asia Media Centre. The programme supports New Zealand journalists to tell stories about Asia and New Zealand’s ties to the region. We do this by helping journalists build their knowledge of Asia and access opportunities to travel to the region to cover stories for New Zealand audiences.
Sports
Our sports programme harnesses the power of sport to build connections between New Zealand and Asia. We do this by helping New Zealand sports leaders deepen their knowledge of Asia and build relationships with their counterparts across the region.
Research
Our research programme supports informed public conversations about New Zealand’s relationships with Asia. We do this by generating timely, authoritative insights for academics, decision-makers and professionals across the public and private sectors.
Track II diplomacy
Our Track II programme strengthens relationships between New Zealand and Asia through informal diplomacy and think tank dialogue. We do this by bringing together academics, thought leaders and professionals to engage on key issues facing our region.
Our governance
The Asia New Zealand Foundation is largely funded by government but also relies on philanthropic and corporate funding. The Foundation is a registered charitable entity under the Charities Act 2005.
We are guided by a board of trustees drawn from business, community, academic and leadership backgrounds and supported by a panel of Honorary Advisers from New Zealand and Asia. Holding senior positions across a diverse range of sectors – including business, government, academia, and community – our Honorary Advisers provide valuable on-the-ground insights into the Asia region and act as advocates for the Foundation and New Zealand in Asia.
Our values
The Asia New Zealand Foundation's te reo expression Te Whītau Tūhono describes the Foundation's commitment to unity, connectedness and the forging of strong relationships through its work to equip New Zealanders to excel in Asia.
Whakapono - we believe in what we do
Our work makes a difference for Aotearoa New Zealand’s future. We are driven to change people’s lives through knowledge, connections and confidence.
Ako – we are creative, dynamic and adaptable
We are continuously learning and sharing our knowledge. We believe collaboration strengthens our impact and helps us excel in our changing environment.
Manaakitanga – we value relationships through respect and support
We value relationships and people and the importance of strong and diverse connections. We support our colleagues, value their contribution and have their back. We build relationships with respect, inclusivity, and care.
Our name
The Asia New Zealand Foundation has been gifted a Māori name, Te Whītau Tūhono, to sit alongside its English name.
Kua whakaae a Asia New Zealand ki tahi ingoa Māori hei tāpiri atu ki tō rātou ingoa Pākehā - arā i tapaina ko Te Whītau Tūhono. Ānei ngā whakamāramatanga mō te nako me te mana o taua ingoa.
