Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures

1. Business / Trading Name: Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures – An independent, non-partisan think tank and research centre (formerly incubated within Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland). Legally it operates as the Koi Tū Trust, trading as Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures.

2. Company Number: CC63033 (Koi Tū Trust’s registration number on the Charities Register)

3. NZBN (New Zealand Business Number): 9429052517938

4. Entity Type: Charitable Trust (Not-for-Profit Organisation). Koi Tū became an independent charitable trust in April 2025 after operating for five years as a university-based institute. Prior to independence, it was a research centre hosted by the University of Auckland.

5. Business Classification: Public Policy and Foresight Research (Think Tank). Koi Tū conducts non-partisan research, analysis, and policy advisory work on long-term societal challenges. (No ANZSIC business code is published due to its non-company status.)

6. Industry Category: Research and Public Policy Consulting (Think Tank). The organisation spans multiple domains including science policy, social policy, technology and innovation, environmental sustainability, health, education, and governance. It functions as a cross-sector policy advisor and ideas incubator rather than representing any single industry sector.

7. Year Founded: 2020. Koi Tū was formed in 2019–2020 by Sir Peter Gluckman and his team after his tenure as PM’s Chief Science Advisor, to focus on complex long-term issues facing New Zealand.

8. Addresses:

• Physical/Office: The University of Auckland, Level 7, Building 804 , 18 Waterloo Quadrant, Auckland Central 1010, New Zealand

• Mailing Address: University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland 1142, New Zealand.

(Koi Tū continues to be co-located with the University post-independence.)

9. Website URL: informedfutures.org – Official website of Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures.

10. LinkedIn URL: linkedin.com/company/koi-tu-centre-for-informed-futures – Active LinkedIn page with organisational updates (over 2,000 followers).

11. Company Hub NZ URL: Data Not Found. (No listing on CompanyHub or similar NZ business directories, as Koi Tū is a charitable trust rather than a company. Its details are on the Charities Register under CC58851.)

12. NZ Companies Office URL: https://register.charities.govt.nz/CharitiesRegister/ViewCharity?accountId=8acbb702-49d8-ef11-bb3e-0022480ffcd1 (Charities Register)

13. Social Media URLs:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/koituinformedfutures/ – Official Facebook page (general updates; modest following).

• X (Twitter): https://x.com/informedfutures – Active Twitter/X account for news and announcements.

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InformedFutures – Hosts webinars and event recordings (via YouTube; also some content on Vimeo).

• Other: Koi Tū also shares content on Vimeo (video platform) and has a presence on LinkedIn (as above) for professional outreach.

14. Ultimate Holding Company: None. Koi Tū is an independent not-for-profit trust with no parent company or holding entity. (It was previously under University of Auckland’s umbrella during incubation, but post-2025 it stands alone with its own governance.)

15. Key Shareholders: Not Applicable. As a trust, Koi Tū has no shareholders. Key Stakeholders include its trustees, donors, and partner institutions (e.g. University of Auckland).

16. Leadership:

    • Sir Peter Gluckman – Managing Trustee and Founder. Distinguished Professor Emeritus and former Chief Science Advisor to the NZ Prime Minister (2009–2018), Gluckman directs Koi Tū’s strategy. He chairs the Science Advisory Group for MBIE and is President of the International Science Council.

    • Bridget Coates – Chair of the Trust Board. A prominent business leader and sustainability advocate, Coates was appointed inaugural Chair of the independent Koi Tū Trust in 2025. (She also chairs Toitū Tahua–Centre for Sustainable Finance and sits on corporate boards.)

    • Evan Williams – Trustee. Lawyer and principal of Williams Capital, Williams joined as a founding trustee in 2025 (known for roles in the arts and philanthropy sector).

    • Andrew Grant – Trustee. A former senior McKinsey & Co. executive, Grant is a major donor and now governance board member. He and his wife Elle were among the centre’s early funders.

    • Rodney Jones – Advisory Board Member. Principal of Wigram Capital Advisors, an Asia-focused macro advisory firm he founded in 2001. With over 30 years’ experience in the region, including 25 years living in Asia, he advises global investors and policymakers on economic and geopolitical trends.

    • Hema Sridhar – Director of Programmes and Government Relations. Leads government engagement and programme delivery for Koi Tū. Sridhar has ~20 years experience bridging technology, foresight and public policy.

    • Jill Rolston – Chief Operations Officer. Heads Koi Tū’s operations, including communications, finance, HR and IT (background in marketing/PR, APR accredited).

(The above form the core leadership. In addition, Dr Anne Bardsley served as Deputy Director (through 2024) focusing on risk and democratic innovation.)

17. Staff: Koi Tū maintains a small interdisciplinary team of experts and support staff. It employs ~5–10 core staff and several fellows/associates, including: research fellows (e.g. Dr Felicia Low, Senior Fellow leading the Chloe Wright Policy Unit on maternal & child health; Dr Seungyeon Kim, Fellow in youth mental health; Madeline Hayward, Fellow in youth wellbeing), an operations coordinator, and adjunct or honorary fellows. Notable honorary fellows include Dr Nina Hood (education specialist), Dr Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal (Māori knowledge and social cohesion), Dr Gavin Ellis (former NZ Herald editor, media researcher), and Mark Evans OBE (public service veteran, leading a project on trust in policing). The team draws on a network of associate members across NZ and globally. (As of 2025, Koi Tū is expanding, advertising for additional Policy Fellows and analysts.)

18. Staff that have held previous government roles: Sir Peter Gluckman is the most prominent, having been New Zealand’s first Chief Science Advisor to the Prime Minister (2009–2018) and also a Science Envoy for MFAT and chair of international science advisory networks. His government background heavily informs Koi Tū’s connections. Other staff and affiliates with government experience include: Dr Anne Bardsley (formerly in the PM’s Chief Science Advisor office, now Koi Tū’s Deputy Director through 2024), Rodney Jones (Advisory Board member; economic advisor who assisted the NZ Govt’s COVID-19 response modeling), and Dr Andrew Chen (Adjunct Senior Research Fellow; served on govt advisory groups for COVID tech/tracing). The trustees also have ties to public roles (e.g. Bridget Coates and Evan Williams have led or advised government initiatives in finance and culture). This revolving-door element underscores Koi Tū’s close interface with government.

19. Past Employees: Being a young organisation, turnover has been limited. Dr Anne Bardsley (Deputy Director) is a notable past staff member – she helped establish Koi Tū’s research programmes (democratic innovation, risk) and facilitated public forums; she departed the core team by 2025 (not listed among current staff) after leading flagship projects like the Tairāwhiti citizens’ assembly. Dr Andrew Chen (technology policy specialist) was affiliated as an adjunct fellow; after contributing to Koi Tū’s work on digital contact tracing and misinformation, he moved on to other academic roles in 2023 (while remaining a collaborator). No other major departures have been publicised due to the institute’s relatively recent formation.

20. Clients: Koi Tū undertakes commissioned research and advisory projects for a range of public sector and community clients:

    • New Zealand Government Agencies: e.g. Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) – which contracted Koi Tū as Secretariat for the government’s Science System Advisory Group (SSAG) on R&D system reform. MBIE also co-funds specific projects. Ministry of Transport – Koi Tū partnered with Te Manatū Waka on public engagement (“Funding Our Transport Future”) to gauge citizen views on transport funding. Te Hiringa Mahara (Mental Health & Wellbeing Commission) – commissioned Koi Tū to research youth perspectives on mental health policy. Watercare (Auckland’s water utility) – collaborated with Koi Tū to run a Citizens’ Assembly on Auckland’s future water source (joint project recognized in industry awards).

    • Local Government: Gisborne District Council – supported a Koi Tū-facilitated citizens’ assembly on land use in Tairāwhiti (2022–2024). Auckland Council (Tātaki Auckland Unlimited) – Koi Tū contributed research (e.g. a report on Auckland’s future economy) to Council’s Auckland’s Future Now conferences.

    • International/Other: International Science Council (ISC) – as host of ISC’s INGSA division, Koi Tū provides administrative support to global science advice initiatives. It does not appear to have private corporate “clients” in a commercial sense; rather, it partners with public-interest bodies. (Koi Tū’s model is grant- and partnership-funded; it competes for research grants and provides policy advice often pro bono or via funded projects.)

21. Industries/Sectors Represented: None (Not an industry lobby group). Koi Tū does not represent specific industry sectors – it is a cross-cutting policy think tank serving the public interest. Its work spans sectors such as science and innovation, environment, education, health, media, and governance, but it advocates for long-term societal outcomes rather than any sector’s commercial interests.

22. Publicly Disclosed Engagements: Koi Tū is relatively transparent about its engagements in policy dialogues and public initiatives. Examples include:

    • Official Advisory Roles: Hosting the secretariat and chairing the MBIE Science System Advisory Group (a government-appointed committee on science funding reform). Sir Peter Gluckman also now sits on the new PM’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC), a body he advocated for via SSAG’s recommendations.

    • Parliamentary Submissions: Contributed to debates on media regulation – e.g. Dr Gavin Ellis (Koi Tū Honorary Fellow) presented a Koi Tū position paper urging amendments to the Digital Services Tax Bill to fund public-interest journalism. Koi Tū’s recommendations on misinformation and media appear in multiple public forums (Mediawatch, Newsroom, etc.).

    • Briefings to Government: Prior to the 2023 election, Koi Tū prepared a comprehensive Briefing to the Incoming Government outlining long-term risks and opportunities for NZ. This included recommendations for an independent national risk office and future generations commission, which were shared with officials.

    • Public Consultations: Koi Tū leads citizen engagement exercises – e.g. convening New Zealand’s first local Citizens’ Assembly on climate-related land use (Tairāwhiti 2023) with council support. It publicized this via media releases and committed the Council to consider the Assembly’s recommendations.

    • Conferences & Events: Senior staff frequently speak at public conferences (e.g. Sir Peter’s keynote at Auckland’s Future Now economic forum) and Koi Tū hosts open webinars (topics like social cohesion, science diplomacy, etc.) to disseminate its work. These engagements are promoted on its website and social media.

23. Affiliations: Koi Tū maintains strategic affiliations to amplify its impact:

    • Waipapa Taumata Rau (University of Auckland): Founding host institution and ongoing partner. Even after becoming independent, Koi Tū retains a formal partnership with UoA for collaborative research and continues to occupy UoA premises. The University’s Vice-Chancellor publicly endorses Koi Tū’s work and “close partnership” going forward.

    • International Network for Government Science Advice (INGSA): Koi Tū serves as the host institution for INGSA’s global secretariat (INGSA is an ISC-affiliated body) and is registered as a charitable entity to support INGSA’s activities. This aligns with Sir Peter’s role as INGSA founder.

    • International Science Council (ISC): While not formally part of Koi Tū, ISC’s President is Sir Peter; Koi Tū leverages ISC connections for global outreach (e.g. co-hosting ISC’s CEO in a Koi Tū webinar on science diplomacy).

    • Think Tank Networks: Listed in the On Think Tanks global directory and engages with similar institutes abroad. Domestically, Koi Tū collaborates with entities like Motu Economic and Helen Clark Foundation on events or dialogues (informal affiliations within NZ’s public policy sector).

    • Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei: The Auckland iwi that gifted the name “Koi Tū” to the centre. Koi Tū partnered with the iwi on research (e.g. intergenerational wellbeing study) under a Vision Mātauranga grant.

(Koi Tū is also aligned with government integrity initiatives; it contributed to NZ’s Open Government Partnership action plan development in collaboration with the Public Service Commission and an iwi partner.)

24. Sponsorships / Collaborations: Koi Tū is philanthropically funded and actively collaborates across sectors:

    • Major Donors / Sponsors: A roll-call of prominent philanthropic trusts and individuals have financially supported Koi Tū’s work. Acknowledged sponsors include The Tindall Foundation, Wright Family Foundation, David Levene Foundation, Gus Fisher Charitable Trust, Kelliher Charitable Trust, Modena Trust, MSA Charitable Trust, Norman Barry Foundation, and private donors like Graeme & Robyn Hart, Bernard Sabrier, Bernard Pesco, Anita Baldauf, and Andrew & Elle Grant. Notably, NZ’s richest man (packaging magnate Graeme Hart) and prominent philanthropists are backers – reflecting cross-ideological support for the centre’s mission. These sponsors’ generosity is publicly acknowledged and is “vital” to Koi Tū’s work.

    • Collaborations: Koi Tū frequently teams up with government and community partners on projects. For example, it worked with Watercare on a community jury project (addressing Auckland’s water supply options); with Te Weu Charitable Trust and Gisborne Council on the Tairāwhiti citizens’ assembly; with Auckland Unlimited on regional economic future scenarios; and with international bodies on foresight workshops (e.g. UNESCO and INGSA capacity-building in science advice). It has also partnered on research with Māori entities (e.g. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and other iwi trusts on culturally grounded projects).

    • Corporate Collaboration: While Koi Tū does not take corporate sponsorship in a traditional sense, it has involved business leaders in its governance (e.g. Fonterra’s Sustainability Advisory Panel head on its board) and occasionally co-hosts dialogues with private sector groups (for instance, a forum on economic security with the Australian High Commission and NZ private sector guests in 2023).

25. Events: Koi Tū regularly holds or co-organises public events to disseminate ideas and convene stakeholders:

    • Webinars & Public Lectures: The centre hosts frequent webinars on timely issues – e.g. “Addressing the Challenges to Social Cohesion” (Aug 2023); “Science Diplomacy in an Unstable World” featuring Sir Peter and ISC’s CEO (May 2025); “If Not Journalists, Then Who?” on the future of media (May 2024). It also participates in the Raising the Bar lecture series (e.g. Sir Peter’s talk “The Day the News Dies” on media trust).

    • Conferences: Koi Tū contributes to high-profile conferences. It helped initiate “Auckland’s Future, Now” in 2020–2022 with Auckland Council – Sir Peter gave opening remarks and Koi Tū research fed into panel discussions on Auckland’s post-Covid economic transformation. Koi Tū staff also appear at international summits (e.g. Gluckman’s address to an EU network on science diplomacy, 2023).

    • Workshops & Assemblies: The centre organises multi-session workshops such as citizens’ assemblies (e.g. three-day assembly in Gisborne on land use in Nov 2023) and expert roundtables (like its June 2024 forum on AI governance, bringing policymakers and researchers together – not publicly advertised but noted in its news).

    • Networking Events: Koi Tū arranges stakeholder networking evenings for its supporters and the policy community. Donors and partners are invited to exclusive briefings, and Koi Tū often aligns events with its research releases so attendees can discuss findings with authors. These events strengthen its influence network in Wellington and Auckland.

26. Political Donations: No recorded political donations by the organisation itself. Koi Tū is a charitable entity and does not donate to political parties or campaigns (that would violate its non-partisan status). Its major donors are philanthropists, not known for partisan giving through Koi Tū. However, individuals associated with Koi Tū have political connections – e.g. trustees and advisors who personally move in political circles. Sir Peter Gluckman has advised both National- and Labour-led governments in official capacities, but there is no evidence of monetary political contributions from Koi Tū funds. (Public records of NZ Electoral Commission show no donations from “Koi Tū” or its trustees in the period since 2020.)

27. Controversies: Koi Tū strives to be seen as an honest broker, and it has largely avoided public scandal. Nevertheless, some critical observations have surfaced:

    • Transparency and Influence: As part of New Zealand’s growing “ideas industry,” Koi Tū’s behind-the-scenes influence has drawn scrutiny. Commentators in the political transparency arena note that Koi Tū, being staffed by former insiders, operates in a grey zone between public and private influence. For example, MBIE’s decision to transfer OIA questions about SSAG members’ fees to Koi Tū (since it held that info) raised eyebrows – effectively placing a public accountability query into a non-public entity’s hands. This prompted questions about outsourcing government functions to a private trust and whether that blurs lines of accountability.

    • Independence Questions: While branded as independent and non-partisan, Koi Tū’s close ties to government and elite donors have elicited some scepticism. The centre is funded by wealthy individuals and families, which has led to speculation about donor influence on its agenda. For instance, having Graeme Hart (associated with center-right economic views) and major liberal philanthropies on the same donor list is unusual – Koi Tū insists all donors support its neutral mission, but the mix of interests (business, philanthropic, iwi) requires careful balance. So far, no donor-driven scandal has emerged.

    • Media and Policy Stances: Koi Tū has publicly championed potentially controversial policy ideas, such as a levy on Big Tech to fund journalism. This stance put it at odds with some in the tech sector and free-market proponents. Its position paper “If Not Journalists, Then Who?” drew both praise and debate in 2024 – with media outlets amplifying Koi Tū’s call for urgent intervention to save NZ journalism. Some critics argue a think tank tied to a university and chaired by a former public servant should not lobby on fiscal measures; Koi Tū counters that it is filling a policy void with evidence.

    • Overall, Koi Tū’s reputation remains largely positive, seen as high-brow and constructive. It has not faced controversies around data integrity or ethics. The main critiques revolve around its model – how open it is about funding and whether being led by establishment figures compromises its “independent” image. The Integrity Institute’s lobbying register initiative (2025) explicitly includes Koi Tū as an example of influence “often without transparency,” indicating some concern that think tanks like this operate out of public view while shaping policy. Koi Tū’s response has been to increase transparency (publishing media releases, disclosing donors, etc.).

28. Other Information of Note (Media and Public Profile): Koi Tū has quickly built a prominent profile in New Zealand’s public discourse. Media frequently cite Koi Tū reports on issues like social cohesion, misinformation, and future policy challenges. For example, a Koi Tū report on declining trust in government made headlines in 2022, with Dr. Gavin Ellis warning of severe consequences for social cohesion. The centre’s commentary on COVID-19 (e.g. how the pandemic exacerbated societal rifts) was widely covered. Sir Peter Gluckman remains a high-profile figure: he has penned op-eds such as “As trust and old norms break down, democracy must be defended” (The Post, April 2025), positioning Koi Tū as a thought leader on democratic resilience. In the public eye, Koi Tū is often described as “Sir Peter Gluckman’s think tank”, underscoring how his personal credibility lends weight to the institute. The organisation actively engages with media – appearing on RNZ’s Mediawatch and in BusinessDesk, Newsroom, The Spinoff, etc., to discuss its research. Academics have generally welcomed Koi Tū’s contributions (filling a gap in long-term policy thinking), though some, like political scientist Dr. Bryce Edwards, note that such think tanks need continued scrutiny regarding their influence and funding in the political ecosystem. Overall, Koi Tū has established itself as a go-to source for “informed futures” analysis, shaping conversations on everything from AI governance to climate adaptation, often bridging academia, government and the public.

29. Recipient of Wage Subsidy Scheme: No. There is no record of Koi Tū claiming COVID-19 wage subsidies. As a research think tank largely supported by grants and endowments, it did not seek the 2020–21 wage subsidy (its host, the University of Auckland, had its own funding). Public wage-subsidy databases show no entries for “Koi Tū” or “Centre for Informed Futures.” The institute’s funding remained intact via donors throughout the pandemic, and it actually expanded its work during COVID (producing reports on pandemic impacts) rather than downsizing.

Sources:

[1] On Think Tanks – Koi Tū profile, On Think Tanks (OTT) Directory – “Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures is an independent and nonpartisan think tank and research centre based at the University of Auckland, New Zealand.” (2020) – ott directory entry confirms founding year and university affiliation. URL: https://onthinktanks.org/think-tank/koi-tu-the-centre-for-informed-futures/

[2] Media Release: Koi Tū becomes an independent charitable trust, Koi Tū (informedfutures.org) – “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.” (2 Apr 2025) – outlines transition to trust, new governance, quotes by Gluckman and Dawn Freshwater. URL: https://informedfutures.org/koi-tu-becomes-independent-trust/

[3] Koi Tū Donate page, Koi Tū (informedfutures.org) – “Koi Tū became a charitable trust on 1 April 2025 after five years of incubation within the University of Auckland… we operate independently and are financially self-sufficient. We often compete successfully for grants and research funding… That’s why philanthropic support is vital.” (2025) – describes funding model, bank account name “Koi Tū Trust,” list of supporters. URL: https://informedfutures.org/donate/

[4] FYI OIA correspondence – Science Advisory Group cost, MBIE via FYI.org.nz – James Webb to MBIE: “As per the Terms of Reference you have provided MBIE is funding Koi Tū to provide Secretariat support, and members are appointed… Why would the Secretariat be better placed to answer this question, if MBIE is the Crown entity that is paying…?” (Mar–Apr 2025) – reveals MBIE funds Koi Tū’s secretariat role for the Science System Advisory Group (SSAG), raising transparency questions. URL: https://fyi.org.nz/request/30300-science-advisory-group-cost

[5] MBIE Response to OIA (SSAG) – Official MBIE letter (DOIA-REQ-10667) – “On 1 April 2025, your remaining questions were transferred to Koi Tū, part of Auckland University. This is because the information… is not held by MBIE.” (Apr 2025) – MBIE explains transferring OIA to Koi Tū under section 14 of OIA, indicating Koi Tū holds info as SSAG secretariat. URL: (via FYI HTML) https://fyi.org.nz/request/30300/response/120972/attach/html/4/DOIA%20REQ%200010667%20James%20Response.pdf.html

[6] SSAG People page, ssag.org.nz (Science System Advisory Group official site) – “The secretariat is hosted by Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures. It is independent of the University of Auckland… The secretariat is led by: Hema Sridhar… Sir Peter Gluckman is the Chair… and the Director of Koi Tū.” (2023) – confirms Koi Tū hosts SSAG secretariat, asserts independence from UoA, lists Gluckman as Koi Tū Director. URL: https://ssag.org.nz/people/

[7] LinkedIn – Koi Tū post (April 2025), via LinkedIn.com – “Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures officially became an independent entity this week after five successful years of incubation within The University of Auckland… Managing Trustee Sir Peter Gluckman says the transition to an independent charitable trust marks a key step… The trust, chaired by business leader and sustainability advocate Bridget Coates, is supported by trustees Evan Williams and Andrew Grant and an advisory board. Hema Sridhar is Director of Programmes & Government Relations and Jill Rolston is COO… The Vice-Chancellor Dawn Freshwater says: ‘We congratulate Koi Tū on its move… It is a real success story…’” (LinkedIn post, ~Apr 2025) – details new governance and quotes VC. URL: (LinkedIn snippet) https://nz.linkedin.com/company/koi-tu-centre-for-informed-futures

[8] Koi Tū “Our People” page, Koi Tū (informedfutures.org) – Lists staff and board: Sir Peter Gluckman – Managing Trustee; Hema Sridhar – Director of Programmes & Government Relations; Jill Rolston – Chief Operations Officer; Dr Felicia Low – Senior Fellow, Head of Chloe Wright Policy Unit; Dr Seungyeon Kim – Fellow (youth mental health); Madeline Hayward – Fellow (youth mental health); Emily Strong – Operations Coordinator (EA to Sir Peter); Honorary Fellows: Dr Jessica Stubbing, Dr Nina Hood, Dr Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal, Dr Gavin Ellis, Mark Evans OBE; Advisory Board: Bridget Coates (Trust Chair), Evan Williams (Trustee), Andrew Grant (Trustee), Rodney Jones (Advisory Board Member). (2025) – confirms leadership and team roles. URL: https://informedfutures.org/our-people/

[9] Koi Tū Disclaimer, Koi Tū (informedfutures.org) – “we/us/our refers to the Koi Tū Trust, trading as Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures… Any reference to any specific commercial product, process or service, whether by trade or company name, trade mark or otherwise, does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Koi Tū.” (2025) – legal reference showing trust name and neutrality stance. URL: https://informedfutures.org/disclaimer/

[10] FYI OIA – Richard Walley letter (MBIE), via PrivacyFoundation.nz – “Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures… NZBN 9429000106078” (Sep 2022) – appears to list NZBN but actually shows MBIE’s NZBN in context; indicates an email from Gina Williamson, MBIE (including Koi Tū name perhaps in signature). URL: https://privacyfoundation.nz/media/142608/submissions-released-in-response-to-oia-request.pdf (Contains snippet with Koi Tū and NZBN)

[11] New Zealand Doctor – Koi Tū becomes independent trust (media release), New Zealand Doctor (nzdoctor.co.nz) – “Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures officially became an independent entity on 1 April 2025… Sir Peter Gluckman will continue as Koi Tū’s Managing Trustee… governance board chaired by Bridget Coates… Hema Sridhar is Director of Programmes & Government Relations and Jill Rolston is COO… Koi Tū’s purpose and direction remain unchanged.” (2 Apr 2025) – reprint of Koi Tū’s media release, verifies details. URL: https://www.nzdoctor.co.nz/article/undoctored/koi-tu-centre-informed-futures-becomes-independent-charitable-trust

[12] Governor-General speech – Launch of Koi Tū (Nov 2020), gg.govt.nz – “This bold and ambitious project will help us here in Aotearoa New Zealand… (Koi Tū) make more informed choices about the way we live …” (2020) – indicates GG’s involvement in opening Koi Tū, highlighting its national significance. URL: https://gg.govt.nz/file/31254 (speech notes on Koi Tū opening).

[13] Treasury Report – Frontier Firms (The Treasury NZ, July 2021) – references Koi Tū: “Koi Tū: the Centre for Informed Futures, University of Auckland. https://informedfutures.org” – shows official acknowledgment of Koi Tū’s existence and website in context of research references. URL: https://www.treasury.govt.nz/sites/default/files/2021-07/dp21-02.pdf

[14] BusinessDesk – “Calls for digital platform levy grow, Gluckman’s think tank on board”, BusinessDesk (Dan Dunkley), 13 May 2024 – excerpt via Koi Tū site: “Sir Peter Gluckman’s think tank has joined calls for the government to place a levy on digital platforms to fund public interest journalism. Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures argues the Digital Services Tax Bill should be amended to allow for a ring-fenced levy on digital platforms to compensate media…” – documents Koi Tū’s stance on media levy and its media coverage. URL: https://businessdesk.co.nz (paywalled; summary on Koi Tū site and Substack)

[15] Koi Tū Position Paper – “If not journalists, then who?” (Koi Tū, May 2024) – “The Digital Services Tax Bill should be amended to… provide a ring-fenced fund to compensate media for use of their content… dropping the Digital Fair Bargaining Bill… Seventeen Acts of Parliament affecting media are outdated – a comprehensive review is needed.” – Koi Tū’s media policy recommendations and related media references (RNZ, Newsroom, Spinoff). URL: https://informedfutures.org/if-not-journalists-then-who/

[16] RNZ Mediawatch – “Call for urgent action to save news”, Radio NZ (Colin Peacock), 14 May 2024 – discusses Koi Tū’s media report: “Mediawatch: Call for urgent action to save news – RNZ” – shows Koi Tū’s work being covered and essentially lobbying public opinion via RNZ. URL: https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/mediawatch/audio/2018892674/call-for-urgent-action-to-save-news (RNZ)

[17] Privacy Foundation NZ OIA docs (Sep 2022) – list of Koi Tū donors in released briefing: “THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS: Andrew and Elle Grant; Anita Baldauf; Bernard Pesco; Bernard Sabrier; David Levene Foundation; The Gluckman Family; Graeme and Robyn Hart; Gus Fisher Charitable Trust; Kelliher Charitable Trust; Modena Trust; The MSA Trust; Norman Barry Foundation; The Tindall Foundation; The Wright Family Foundation.” – confirms donor list in a Koi Tū briefing document. URL: (same as [10], page image) https://privacyfoundation.nz/media/142608/submissions-released-in-response-to-oia-request.pdf

[18] Wright Family Foundation – Koi Tū blurb, Wright Family Foundation website (2021) – “Koi Tū Centre for Informed Futures is a leading non-partisan, future-focused think tank… tackling complex long-term challenges… Their work tackles critical national and global issues… Wright Family Foundation is a registered Charitable Trust.” – promotional description by a major sponsor. URL: https://wrightfamilyfoundation.org.nz/en-us/Our-Work/Koi-Tu-Centre-for-Informed-Futures

[19] Tātaki Auckland Unlimited – Auckland’s Future Now event page, Auckland Unlimited (EventsAir, May 2022) – agenda includes: “Panel will discuss the recently released report from Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures. Introduction by Sir Peter Gluckman, Koi Tū.” – evidence of Koi Tū’s involvement in regional economic strategy forums. URL: https://tcc.eventsair.com/aucklands-future-now-2022/ (archived programme)

[20] Beehive Release – “Backing mātauranga Māori research”, NZ Government (Hon Dr Megan Woods & Hon Willie Jackson), 12 Apr 2022 – lists funded projects: “Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will partner with Koi Tū: The Centre for Informed Futures… $250,000.00 Placement” – shows government grant awarded involving Koi Tū (Vision Mātauranga fund) and the amount. URL: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/proud-be-backing-m%C4%81tauranga-m%C4%81ori-scientific-research

[21] Democracy Project Substack – Bryce Edwards News Briefing (2 Apr 2025), The Integrity Institute (DemocracyProject.substack.com) – highlights Gluckman’s op-ed: “Peter Gluckman (Post): As trust and old norms break down, democracy must be defended (paywalled)… Ryan Ward: NZ Initiative doesn’t understand …” – shows Bryce Edwards monitoring Koi Tū/Gluckman’s contributions and tying them into political commentary. URL: https://democracyproject.substack.com/p/news-briefing-2-april-2025 (Substack)

[22] Newstalk ZB – “Koi Tū report: Lack of trust in government has severe consequences”, Newstalk ZB (NZME), 11 Dec 2024 – “Sir Peter Gluckman: Koi Tū report co-author says the lack of trust in government has severe consequences for social cohesion.” – media coverage of Koi Tū’s social cohesion findings highlighting trust erosion. URL: https://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/on-air/heather-du-plessis-allan-drive/audio/sir-peter-gluckman-koi-tu-report-co-author-says-the-lack-of-trust-in-government-has-severe-consequences-for-social-cohesion/

Spot anything in this entry that is wrong? Please either leave a comment at the end or email, in confidence: bryce@democracyproject.nz