Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures becomes independent charitable trust

Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures officially became an independent entity on 1 April 2025, following five successful years of incubation within Waipapa Taumata Rau University of Auckland.

As a non-partisan think tank, Koi Tū has been dedicated to tackling the complex, long-term issues facing Aotearoa New Zealand through evidence-informed insight and foresight since it was formed in 2020.

Koi Tū’s transition to an independent charitable trust marks a key step in the centre’s evolution and will strengthen its role as a leading voice in future-focused thinking.

Sir Peter Gluckman will continue as Koi Tū’s Managing Trustee, with strategic oversight provided by a governance board chaired by business leader and sustainability advocate Bridget Coates. Hema Sridhar is the Director of Programmes and Government Relations and Jill Rolston is the Chief Operations Officer. Koi Tū’s purpose and direction remain unchanged.

Sir Peter Gluckman says: “As the world becomes more complex, polarised, and uncertain, there is an urgent need for independent voices that can help societies navigate long-term challenges.

“Koi Tū was established to meet this need by encouraging courageous conversations, informed dialogue, and collective problem-solving. This new chapter strengthens our ability to achieve this, allowing us to operate with a broader range of partners.”

Koi Tū’s transition to a charitable trust enhances its agility and ability to partner flexibly across government, business, philanthropy, community, and academia, in New Zealand and globally.

Koi Tū Trust Chair Bridget Coates says the move to independence reflects confidence in Koi Tū’s impact and future.

“Koi Tū has demonstrated a deep and thoughtful approach to the complex, long-term issues facing Aotearoa, ranging from social cohesion and youth wellbeing to sustainability, trust in institutions, and the implications of global and technological change.

“This next phase ensures strategic governance and the independence needed to support a broad coalition of partners and decision-makers, united by a desire to build a more informed and resilient future.”

While now operating as an independent trust, Koi Tū will maintain a close partnership with the University of Auckland, continuing to collaborate on research and policy engagement while operating from its current premises.

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Auckland, Professor Dawn Freshwater, says: “We congratulate Koi Tū on its move to becoming an independent charitable trust, and wish it all the best for a successful future. Since it launched five years ago, Koi Tū has consistently provided meticulous research and deep insights into some of the biggest challenges facing Aotearoa New Zealand. It is a real success story, and we look forward to continuing our close partnership and collaboration in the future.”

Koi Tū’s work spans a broad range of interconnected domains, including social cohesion and trust, mental health and lifelong wellbeing, and the impact of rapid technological, social, and environmental change. Its mission is to support long-term thinking and translate knowledge into actionable insights for the public good.

Sir Peter Gluckman says: “Koi Tū exists to help New Zealand navigate complex challenges with foresight, evidence, and integrity, bringing together diverse voices and opinions to shape Aotearoa’s future.

“We are proud of what we’ve built at the University of Auckland, and we are looking forward to building on this in our next independent chapter.

“We thank our donors for their generous and ongoing support.”