Who we are


The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is New Zealand’s leading authority on Asia. We provide experiences and resources to help New Zealanders build their knowledge, skills and confidence to thrive in Asia.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation

New Zealand's present and future – economically, culturally and socially – are firmly tied to Asia. This reality presents New Zealand with a range of positive opportunities - we need to be deliberate and thoughtful in our approach to them. This means giving New Zealanders the tools they need to engage with Asia. 

An infographic showing the Foundation's strategic plan

Asia New Zealand Foundation strategic plan 2021 - 2024

What we do

The Foundation provides experiences and resources to help New Zealanders build their knowledge, skills, connections and confidence to thrive in Asia.

We work in partnership with influential individuals and organisations in New Zealand and Asia to provide forums, cultural events, international collaborations, school programmes and professional development opportunities.

What we offer in Asia

The Foundation offers internships, grants and residencies for New Zealanders to visit Asia and learn about their areas of work and experience first-hand the dynamism and diversity of the region.

We also lead sector-specific groups to Asian countries to develop participants' knowledge and make connections relevant to their areas of work.

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.

Our work is informed by the research we commission that looks at New Zealand's relationships with Asia.

Our areas of work

Our core areas of work are in the arts, business, education, media, research, Track II informal diplomacy, leadership, entrepreneurship and sports.

The Foundation’s activities cover more than 20 countries in Asia and are delivered through a range of programmes:

Arts 
Our Arts programme aims to bring Asian art into the mainstream of New Zealand culture, while supporting local practitioners to grow their understanding of Asia and make industry connections in the region.

Business

Our Business programme supports New Zealand companies to better understand Asia. It also helps develop the next generation of Asia-savvy graduates through our internship programme.

Education
Our education programme provides New Zealand educators with knowledge, resources and experiences to equip their students to thrive in Asia.

Entrepreneurship
Our Entrepreneurship programme supports leading entrepreneurs in New Zealand to build connections and facilitate business relationships in Asia.

Leadership
The Leadership Network is a global professional network at the forefront of maintaining and developing strong links between Asia and New Zealand.

Media
Our media programme helps New Zealand journalists cover stories that shed light on Asia and on New Zealand’s ties to the region.  

Research
Our research programme commissions research that supports informed public conversations about New Zealand’s relationships with Asia. 

Track II diplomacy
We support informal diplomacy with thinktanks in Asia on issues and challenges facing the region.

Sports
Our sport programme funds cultural activities for teams and individuals visiting Asia for sporting activities.

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. Our Honorary Advisers are leading academics, businesspeople, and current and former politicians and diplomats.

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 thrive 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 thrive 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.