Helen Clark Foundation
• Business / Trading Name: The Helen Clark Foundation (Mahi a Rongo)
• Company Number: Not a registered company (Registered Charity No. CC55256)
• NZBN: 9429046602633
• Entity Type: Charitable Trust (independent, non-partisan public policy think tank)
• Business Classification: Public policy research and advocacy (charitable purpose includes education/research, environment, health, and community development)
• Industry Category: Non-profit think tank in the civic, policy and research sector
• Year Founded: 2017 (launched publicly in 2019)
• Addresses:
• Postal: PO Box 56-014, Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Auckland 1446, NZ
• Street: WŌ Building, 56 Wakefield Street, Auckland CBD 1010, NZ (hosted at AUT University’s City Campus)
• Website URL:
https://helenclark.foundation
• LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-helen-clark-foundation
• Company Hub NZ URL: Data Not Found (no Companies Office listing; see Charities Register)
• NZ Companies Office URL: https://app.businessregisters.govt.nz/sber-businesses/viewInstance/view.html?id=229a78e05307b6d8bf1b29667f00cb17eba501575363d628&_timestamp=738677993086879 (charitable trust register)
• Social Media URLs:
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/helenclarkfoundation
• Twitter (X): https://twitter.com/HelenClarkFound
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/thehelenclarkfoundation
• Ultimate Holding Company: None (independent charitable trust, no parent entity)
• Key Shareholders: Not applicable (non-profit with no shareholders – governed by trustees)
• Leadership:
• Patron – Rt. Hon. Helen Clark (former Prime Minister of NZ)
• Chair – Christopher Swasbrook (investment executive, appointed 2023)
• Founding Chair – Professor Peter Davis (Helen Clark’s husband, public health academic)
• Executive Director – Murray Bruges (ex-diplomat, appointed 2023)
• Founding Executive Director – Kathy Errington (ex-NZ diplomat, served 2019–2022)
• Board of Trustees – 7 trustees (current trustees include Christopher Swasbrook, Peter “Byard” Davis, Simon Mitchell, Helen Klisser During, Geoff Pownall, Mele Wendt, etc.)
• Staff: (current key staff)
• Murray Bruges – Executive Director: Former MFAT policy officer and Fonterra manager
• Kali Mercier – Deputy Director & WSP Fellow: Former Ministry of Justice advisor and Drug Foundation policy director
• Helen Gaeta – Development Manager: PhD; ex-academic in health sciences (Auckland, Columbia University)
• Victoria Cederle – Communications & Outreach Director: Background in community management (education and private sector)
• Oliver Winter – Researcher: Recent graduate (Victoria University) focusing on institutional trust research
• Tom Pearce – Web Manager: Doctoral student (University of Auckland), background in education
• Haare Williams – Māori Advisor to ED: Kaumātua supporting Māori perspectives (honorary role)
• Staff with Previous Government Roles:
• Murray Bruges – Former diplomat at MFAT and policy advisor in NZ government (2011–2020)
• Kali Mercier – Former Principal Advisor at Ministry of Justice
• Kathy Errington – Former NZ Embassy diplomat (Tokyo), now Deputy Director at MFAT
• Dame Cynthia Kiro (Trustee 2018–2021) – Former Children’s Commissioner; current Governor-General of NZ
• Mele Wendt (Trustee) – Chair of government-related boards (e.g. Real Estate Authority, Wellington Community Fund)
• Christopher Swasbrook – Member of Financial Markets Authority Board (govt-appointed regulator)
• Mike Williams (Outreach Advisor) – Former President of the NZ Labour Party and board member of state entities
• Past Employees:
• Kathy Errington – Founding Executive Director (2019–2022); left to rejoin MFAT as a senior official. Co-authored key reports on digital policy and drug reform.
• Joan Caulfield – Founding trustee and Clark’s long-time aide (left 2020).
• Tamasailau Suaalii – Trustee (2018–2024, resigned).
(No other publicly noted staff departures – small team structure.)
• Clients: None (non-profit think tank publishing research for public benefit; does not lobby on behalf of paying clients). The Foundation’s work is funded by grants and partnerships rather than fee-for-service consulting.
• Industries / Sectors Represented:
• Public Policy and Governance: Advocacy for stronger integrity, transparency and democratic reform.
• Health and Wellbeing: Research on public health equity (e.g. perinatal mental health, nutrition policy).
• Sustainable Cities and Transport: Focus on urban design, transport equity and climate resilience (“sponge cities”, congestion charging).
• Environmental Policy: Climate change mitigation, conservation and sustainability initiatives.
• Social Issues and Inclusion: Addressing loneliness, social cohesion and justice (e.g. criminal justice and drug law reform).
• Technology and Economy: Digital policy, infrastructure funding and economic innovation (e.g. hydrogen economy, infrastructure finance).
• Publicly Disclosed Engagements:
• Cannabis Law Reform Campaign (2019–20): Published “The case for YES” report and registered as a third-party promoter to advocate a Yes vote in NZ’s 2020 cannabis referendum. Issued press releases reiterating support for legalization ahead of the vote.
• Government Inquiry Submissions: Submitted to the “A Fair Chance for All” Treasury inquiry on social mobility (Submission 001 in 2022), and other public consultation processes on policy issues.
• Parliamentary Select Committees: Presented evidence to Parliament’s Environment Committee in 2023 on the proposed Fast-Track Approvals Bill (a controversial planning law), highlighting corruption risks. Also engaged with select committee discussions on congestion charging and urban transport (supporting a legislative framework for road pricing).
• Events and Panels: Regular public webinars, panel discussions and report launches (often featuring Helen Clark or experts) on issues like political integrity, climate action, and social cohesion. For example, the Foundation hosted a webinar releasing its 2024 transparency report, with former Attorney-General Chris Finlayson and others speaking.
• Affiliations:
• Auckland University of Technology (AUT): Formal host and partner since 2019, providing office space and aligning with AUT’s public-good research mission. The Foundation was incubated in partnership with AUT’s Policy Observatory at launch.
• Helen Clark’s Network: Close ties to Helen Clark’s personal and political network – e.g., Clark is Patron ; her husband and long-time allies were founding board members (Peter Davis, Joan Caulfield, Simon Mitchell). Former Labour Party President Mike Williams serves as an advisor for outreach.
• Health Coalition Aotearoa (HCA): Collaboration on public health policy research. HCA (an umbrella health advocacy group) partnered on a 2021 report about junk food policy and supports the Foundation’s health-related initiatives. The Foundation’s independence in such work relies on transparency about this partnership.
• Transparency International NZ: Shared goals on anti-corruption. TINZ amplified the Foundation’s 2024 integrity report and hosted its author’s commentary. Leaders from both groups (and HCA) are coordinating a “collective call to action” on democratic integrity issues.
• Global Leadership Initiatives: Helen Clark’s international roles (e.g. UNDP, Global Leadership Foundation) lend convening power – GLF lists her patronage of the Foundation in Clark’s bio. Clark’s global advocacy on issues like drug reform and open government intersects with the Foundation’s local work (e.g. cannabis reform, transparency).
• Other Think Tanks: Cooperative relations with peer think tanks and researchers. For example, the Foundation cites work by Victoria University’s Institute for Governance and Policy Studies and co-hosts events with academic institutes. It has also partnered with consulting firm BERL on joint submissions (e.g. a combined BERL/Tokona Te Raki submission alongside HCF to a Treasury inquiry).
• Sponsorships / Collaborations:
• WSP New Zealand (Engineering Consultancy): Major corporate sponsor since 2019. WSP and HCF jointly undertake research on the future of infrastructure, transport and the built environment. This partnership has produced multiple co-branded reports (e.g. “Te Ara Matatika: The Fair Path” on transport equity, “Bridging the Infrastructure Gap” on infrastructure finance). WSP provides funding and technical expertise, while HCF provides policy analysis – raising both opportunities and questions about influence (see Part Two).
• Foundation Members and Donors: The Foundation raises funds through a membership program and individual donations. It appeals to supporters of Helen Clark’s legacy and values, offering subscriptions and newsletters to engage donors (though specific donor identities are not published).
• Collaborative Research: The Foundation has worked with subject-matter experts and other NGOs on reports (e.g. environmental NGO Greenpeace cited HCF’s “Sponge Cities” findings on urban flood management). It also engages consultants for commissioned research (e.g. Holly Walker, a former Green MP, authored a 2021 loneliness report for HCF).
• Government & Public Sector: While independent, HCF occasionally receives project-based support from public agencies. It was listed as a participant in MSD’s Mainstream Employment Programme (supporting roles for people with disabilities). It also collaborates informally with agencies by sharing research (for instance, its reports have forewords or input from former officials like Sir Peter Gluckman and Hon. Chris Finlayson). However, it does not hold any direct government contracts for lobbying services.
• Events (Organised by HCF):
• Foundation Launch (March 2019): Public event at AUT in Auckland with Helen Clark announcing the Foundation’s establishment and first discussion paper.
• Policy Report Launches: Regular events releasing major publications – often featuring panel discussions with cross-party or expert contributors. Examples include the “Shining a Light” transparency report launch in August 2024 (with a webinar panel including a former National Attorney-General), and the “Te Ara Matatika” transport webinar in late 2021 (with climate and transport experts).
• Webinar Series: Throughout 2020–2023, HCF held online seminars on topics such as social cohesion, digital government, and wellbeing economics, often moderated by Executive Director Kathy Errington or her successor. These events are made available on YouTube and podcast platforms to broaden reach.
• Collaborative Forums: The Foundation has co-hosted events with partners like Transparency International NZ (e.g. a 2023 panel on strengthening democracy) and Health Coalition Aotearoa (e.g. a 2021 workshop on food policy). It also participates in conferences (Helen Clark has highlighted HCF’s work in her speeches at democracy forums and on her personal platforms).
• Political Donations: None disclosed. The Helen Clark Foundation is non-partisan and does not donate to political parties or candidates. Its advocacy is issue-focused through research and public campaigns, not financial contributions. (Individual trustees or staff may donate in a personal capacity, but no such donations by the organisation have been reported.)
• Controversies:
• Perception of Partisanship: Because it bears the name of a former Labour Prime Minister, the Foundation has faced skepticism about its claim of being non-partisan. Executive Director Kathy Errington acknowledged that some might dismiss HCF’s ideas due to Helen Clark’s political identity, despite no formal party ties. This “halo effect” is double-edged – lending influence but also inviting bias concerns.
• Funding Transparency: HCF advocates transparency in politics, yet it does not fully disclose all its own funders’ identities or contributions. It publishes its major partnerships (AUT, WSP), but detailed financial reports are only available via charity filings. Observers note this as a potential gap, though HCF states it remains open about who supports its work.
• Corporate Influence Critiques: The sponsorship by WSP has drawn criticism from some quarters. For example, a 2023 opinion piece accused HCF–WSP reports of promoting contentious policies like road pricing and guiding officials on how to “manage public opposition” to such schemes. This raised debate about whether a corporate agenda (WSP’s interest in transport projects) might be driving ostensibly independent research. HCF’s stance is that it maintains editorial control and evidence-based integrity despite sponsor input.
• “Revolving Door” Concerns: The movement of personnel between HCF and government has prompted questions on influence. For instance, founding director Kathy Errington’s move into a high-level MFAT role and trustee Dame Cindy Kiro’s appointment as Governor-General highlight the close interface between HCF and the state. While this can enhance HCF’s insight and access, it also exemplifies the blurred lines between policy advocacy and governance (“insiders advocating to insiders”).
• Integrity of Research: No scandals have emerged regarding data or research malpractice. However, in positioning itself as a policy authority, HCF’s work has been scrutinised. Its recommendations often align with its partners’ interests (e.g. health regulations backed by health NGOs, infrastructure calls aligned with engineering sector views), inviting debate about objectivity. The Foundation counters that all research is peer-reviewed and judged on merit, regardless of funding source.
• Other Information of Note:
• Financial Growth: The Foundation’s rise has been swift. Annual income grew from NZ$28.6k in FY2018 (its first months) to ~$468k in FY2023. By 2024 it had amassed over $387k in revenues for that year, indicating strong donor and sponsor support for a relatively new NGO. It typically spends the majority of its income on research projects and operations, operating near break-even annually.
• Foundation Ethos: Its Māori subtitle “Mahi a Rongo” means “the work of Rongo” (Rongo being the Māori deity of peace), reflecting a mission to foster peace and wellbeing through policy. The Foundation emphasizes values associated with Helen Clark’s leadership: inclusion, fairness, and sustainability.
• Publications: Since 2019, HCF has published dozens of reports and discussion papers on topics ranging from climate change (“A Zero Carbon Future” series) to artificial intelligence and social media (e.g. a 2020 essay on internet policy). Notable publications include “Alone Together” (on loneliness), “The Case for Yes” (cannabis reform), “Smoke and Mirrors” (tobacco harm reduction), “Bridging the Gap” (infrastructure finance) and “Shining a Light” (transparency in governance). These often garner media coverage and are freely available online, aligning with HCF’s goal to make policy debate accessible.
• Influence in Media: Helen Clark’s public profile amplifies the Foundation’s voice. National media (RNZ, NZ Herald, etc.) frequently report on HCF studies and quote its staff. Helen Clark herself uses social media to promote HCF findings (her 2019 tweet launched the Foundation’s public presence). This media leverage means HCF ideas often enter political discourse quickly – a significant advantage for an organisation of its size.
• Non-partisan Positioning: The Foundation is careful to engage figures across the political spectrum. For example, its anti-corruption report had a foreword by a National Party stalwart (Hon. Finlayson) and the launch panel included commentators from various leanings. This strategy aims to build broad credibility and avoid any single-party capture of the narrative.
• Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: No. There is no record of the Helen Clark Foundation receiving Covid-19 wage subsidies. Its revenues did not notably drop during the pandemic years (in fact, income rose in 2020–21), so it did not seek emergency wage support. (Note: The Foundation did participate in a separate government employment support programme for diversity hiring in 2020).
Sources
1. Charity Register – The Helen Clark Foundation, Charities Services (NZ Govt), https://register.charities.govt.nz/Charity/CC55256 (accessed Oct 2024).
2. NZ Herald: Helen Clark Foundation set up to tackle big issues of the day, NZ Herald, https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/helen-clark-foundation-set-up-to-tackle-big-issues-of-the-day/MUM3AO7IOPXEMUGVMS6LRMA63Q/ (3 Mar 2019).
3. Our People – Helen Clark Foundation (Staff and Trustees), HCF Website, https://helenclark.foundation/about-us/our-people/ (accessed Oct 2024).
4. Our Partners – Helen Clark Foundation (AUT & WSP), HCF Website, https://helenclark.foundation/about-us/our-partners/ (accessed Oct 2024).
5. RNZ – The think tanks that help shape public policy, Radio New Zealand (The Detail podcast), https://www.rnz.co.nz/programmes/the-detail/story/2018788823/the-think-tanks-that-help-shape-public-policy (7 Oct 2020).
6. Bridget Williams Books – Kathy Errington (author bio), BWB Books, https://www.bwb.co.nz/authors/kathy-errington (2020).
7. Scoop News – HCF reiterates support for Yes vote in Cannabis Referendum, Scoop Independent News, https://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/PO1912/S00040/hcf-reiterates-support-for-yes-vote-in-cannabis-referendum.htm (3 Dec 2019).
8. HCF Publication – Shining a Light: Improving transparency…, Helen Clark Foundation, Aug 2024 (PDF accessed via HCF site).
9. RNZ – Tougher rules needed to combat risk of political corruption: Helen Clark Foundation, RNZ News – Politics, https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/525475/tougher-rules-needed-to-combat-risk-of-political-corruption-helen-clark-foundation (18 Aug 2024).
10. Transparency International NZ – Blog: Tougher rules needed against corruption, as public unease grows, TINZ website, https://www.transparency.org.nz/blog/tougher-rules-needed-against-corruption-as-public-unease-grows (Philippa Yasbek, 3 Sep 2024).
11. CityWatchNZ – Opinion: The Slippery Slope is a Strategy, not a Fallacy, Citywatchnz.org, https://www.citywatchnz.org/opinion-the-slippery-slope-is-a-strategy-not-a-fallacy/ (20 July 2023).
12. Victoria University News – The best government money can buy? (NZES findings & HCF), Te Herenga Waka—VUW, https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/news/2024/10/the-best-government-money-can-buy-how-new-zealanders-feel-about-political-party-funding (23 Oct 2024).
13. LinkedIn – Boyd Swinburn post: democracy wake-up call (mentions HCF, TINZ, HCA), LinkedIn.com, (Aug 2024).
14. Treasury NZ – Public submissions: A Fair Chance for All Inquiry (listing HCF Trust Board submission), NZ Treasury, https://www.treasury.govt.nz/publications/public-submissions-initial-inquiry-scope-fair-chance-all (2022).
15. WSP New Zealand – Insight: Bridging the Infrastructure Gap, WSP.com, https://www.wsp.com/en-nz/insights/wsp-and-the-helen-clark-foundation-research (26 June 2024).
16. Democracy Project – Bryce Edwards: The political corruption report that politicians need to read, democracyproject.substack.com (18 Aug 2024).
17. The Daily Blog – Why no one will do anything about Helen Clark’s valid criticism of political lobbying, TheDailyBlog.co.nz, https://thedailyblog.co.nz/2024/08/20/why-no-one-will-do-anything-about-helen-clarks-political-lobbying-in-nz/ (20 Aug 2024).
18. Charities Register – HCF Annual Return Summaries (2018–2024), Charities Services NZ, https://register.charities.govt.nz/Charity/CC55256 (financial info section).
19. InfoPages – Helen Clark Foundation (Scoop), Scoop.co.nz, https://info.scoop.co.nz/Helen_Clark_Foundation (list of press releases and articles by HCF).
20. NZ Herald – Political corruption, donations and lobbying in NZ: new HCF report on rules overhaul, NZ Herald (Derek Cheng), (18 Aug 2024) [Herald Premium].
21. HelenClarkFoundation.com – Home Page Highlights, HCF official site, https://helenclark.foundation/ (accessed Oct 2024).
22. Transparency International NZ – Facebook post (promoting HCF webinar), Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/TransparencyInternationalNZ/posts/ (May 2024).
23. Charities.govt.nz – Charitable Purpose & Activities (HCF), Charities Services, https://register.charities.govt.nz/Charity/CC55256 (purpose section – education, research, advocacy listed).
24. RNZ – NZ Politics Daily: HCF calls for tougher rules on corruption (Bryce Edwards on NewstalkZB), RNZ/NewstalkZB, (18 Aug 2024).
Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz