Impact Snapshot
September 2024
In this Impact Snapshot, read about EHF Fellows in action creating economic, environmental and social impact, plus recent recognitions and awards they’ve received during September 2024.
Fellows in action 🎬
Yonggang Wang is helping to shape Aotearoa NZ’s tech and AI landscape through his participation in the Migrant Investor and Entrepreneur Association (MIEA) event ‘Tech for Good: Empowering the Future of Aotearoa’, in Auckland.
MIEA is a network that supports migrant entrepreneurs and investors to make meaningful contributions to NZ's economic and social growth.
Yonggang delivered a keynote on the transformative power of AI in driving global innovation. He highlighted Aotearoa NZ’s AI talent development programmes as a strategic initiative that develops a pipeline of skilled talent to address the growing demand for AI expertise.
As Executive Dean of the AI Institute at Sinovation Ventures and founder of Mootion.com, Yonggang is a recognised leader in the field. He also leads DeeCamp, one of China’s largest and most prestigious AI training programmes.
His expertise and leadership in AI innovation and education position him as a key figure in addressing AI talent shortages and promoting ethical practices in the tech industry, both in NZ and globally.
Jonathan Chang and Rajesh Kurup attended a dinner in Singapore, hosted by New Zealand High Commissioner to Singapore, H.E. Gabrielle Rush, and Rob Morrison, Chair of The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Trust Aotearoa New Zealand.
The dinner focused on ‘Philanthropy at the Forefront: Driving Conservation and Climate Progress in Aotearoa New Zealand’, and brought together leaders and individuals invested in or committed to climate action to discuss the role of philanthropy in advancing conservation efforts.
Conversations centred on TNC’s work and potential collaborations with Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority, and ways to strengthen climate-linked ventures between Aotearoa NZ and the Asia-Pacific region.
The opportunity allowed Jonathan and Rajesh to strengthen connections with NZ philanthropic and conservation leaders, paving the way for potential collaborations. Jonathan explored partnerships related to climate solutions, while Rajesh connected his work in the heritage and cultural sector with future opportunities, including supporting the 60th anniversary of Singapore-New Zealand relations in 2025, which will feature Māori art.
Joanne (Jojo) McEachen has co-founded Peerwell, a new platform designed to transform mental health support by focusing on prevention through peer learning.
Built on the concept of ‘Contributive Learning,’ Peerwell equips individuals with the tools to understand their emotions, build resilience, and navigate life’s challenges within supportive communities.
Jojo’s extensive experience in education and her passion for mental health drive Peerwell’s mission to bridge the gap between learning and emotional wellbeing. By fostering peer support and encouraging active community involvement, Peerwell aims to prevent mental health crises before they arise, creating healthier, more resilient environments for individuals and families alike.
The NZVC fund with co-founding partner Mark Pavlyukovskyy, with Venture Partners Vishal Chaddha and Rich Bodo, have invested NZ$200,000 in Kara Technologies. The NZ-based startup, co-founded by Sahar Izadi, Farmehr Farhour, and Arash Tayebi, is transforming accessibility for the Deaf community through AI-powered avatars delivering real-time sign language content. Vishal Chaddha highlights how the NZVC fund has grown over the years through Fellows’ direct investment and strategic advice, and is actively supporting Aotearoa NZ’s innovation ecosystem. Vishal says, “It’s really exciting to support Kara and the team, as a venture making a meaningful difference to people’s lives and an example of how the Fellows have come together to support this NZ-based venture to grow.”
Shoaib Iqbal’s reEarth Studio is inviting schools and individuals to submit entries for the International Art Prize, open to young people aged between 4 to 25 to creatively explore themes of sustainability through photography, digital art, and painting. Focused on climate change and environmental responsibility, the project will host international exhibitions in Auckland and Venice in 2025, aiming to spark meaningful conversations and inspire individual actions for planetary health.
The initiative is launching in 9 countries, including Aotearoa NZ, and will include reaching out to 25,000 schools.
A jury of renowned international artists and climate experts will select the winners, whose artworks will be showcased online and at the international exhibitions.
Shoaib is the founder of The Little Art, an arts education organisation that fosters social values in children through creative expression, which has directly engaged over one million children and youth through its projects. He recently expanded the initiative from Pakistan to Aotearoa NZ, building on its success to launch reEarth. The reEarth project has been shaped by the guidance of EHF Fellows, including Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i, Matthew Shribman, Brad Leibov, Cheryl Reynolds, Mark Bregman, Christopher Bean, Alex Lee, and Deborah Crowe.
Chris Wake, founder of Atypical, delivered a keynote at the Family Office Cybersecurity and AI Summit titled ‘Archimedes’ Lever: AI and the Age of Infinite Leverage’.
In his talk, Chris emphasised AI as a powerful tool offering near-infinite leverage, capable of both enhancing and protecting operations. He highlighted the growing use of AI by adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities, while also stressing its potential to strengthen cybersecurity through advanced pattern recognition and anomaly detection. Chris pointed to foundational applications like identity verification and secure payments as key areas where AI can combat cyber risks, especially as bad actors increasingly use AI to scale their attacks.
Through his thought leadership, Chris is helping organisations to understand how to harness AI not just to prevent cyberattacks but to transform their operations, enhancing security and efficiency. His expertise and insights are helping organisations understand how they can navigate the growing challenges posed by AI-driven cyber threats.
Lily Stender and Scott Miller are driving impactful change through the Tolaga Evergreen Fund, which empowers Māori and indigenous entrepreneurs by providing financial support through seed loans, mentorship, and resources to grow essential service businesses.
Their work strengthens communities by backing ventures that deliver everyday necessities, ensuring sustainable growth and self-sufficiency for indigenous business owners. Through this initiative, they have cultivated a strong network of entrepreneurs who are making a real difference in their communities.
The fund has now opened its intake for Cohort 3, continuing its mission to support the next generation of indigenous leaders and their businesses.
Marco Morawec celebrated one year since launching Climate Drift, a climate solutions and careers accelerator, highlighting the significant impact the initiative has made.
Climate Drift has become a trusted resource for climate solutions and career development, with thousands of climate investors and founders regularly engaging with its in-depth analyses, sharing them within their networks.
Two successful cohorts of the Climate Drift Career Accelerator have helped experienced professionals secure leadership roles in top climate companies. Its growing alumni network is tackling critical challenges such as electrifying homes and businesses, reducing agricultural emissions, and advancing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Additionally, over 50 climate leaders have shared their expertise and insights with the Climate Drift community, further accelerating progress toward impactful climate solutions.
Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna'i is helping to strengthen the understanding and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within Pasifika communities through her ‘Wayfinding for Treaty Partnership - Pasifika Series’ workshops.
These workshops explore the pre-Tiriti connection between Pasifika and Māori, as well as the obligations of Pasifika as both cousins and citizens of Aotearoa NZ.
Faumuina is providing a space for learning and reflection to help participants to integrate Te Tiriti into their personal and professional lives. Her work is fostering deeper engagement with Te Tiriti across diverse communities and organisations, paving the way for stronger Treaty partnerships.
Kia Kotahi Ako, an alliance of EHF Fellows led by Sarah Grant, has celebrated three impactful years in transforming education and environmental systems for Aotearoa NZ. Throughout this time, Kia Kotahi Ako has inspired over 115 students through the We Share Solar Programme, empowering them to pursue careers in climate change and renewable energy.
They have supported initiatives like Te Rau o Rongo, which revitalises indigenous food systems, and partnered with Fellow Faumuina Felolini Maria Tafuna’i's WERO programme, which promotes entrepreneurship among rangatahi Māori and Pasifika. Their collaboration with Fellows Thabiso Mashaba and Lily Stender in adapting the solar suitcase programme for adults in Te Tairāwhiti has helped strengthen community resilience.
Kia Kotahi Ako's support for Fellow Rangimarie Parata Takurua’s Te Pā Wānanga has paved the way for a new learning village that integrates mātauranga Māori with wellness and sustainability practices, tailored specifically for Māori communities.
Read more about their three-year journey in this blog, written by Fellow Bex De Prospo Carr.
Jennifer van Dijk, CEO of designer toy brand Superplastic alongside Nancy Bennett as Experiential Creative Producer, has unveiled a new attraction in Las Vegas for the Dopeameme Institute for Pleasure Research (D.I.P.R.).
The innovative, immersive entertainment experience looks to redefine how we engage with art and storytelling, inviting participants into a vibrant world designed to trigger a dopamine rush through interactive storytelling and cutting-edge design.
The adventure allows visitors to engage with mind-bending rooms filled with visual, auditory, and tactile experiences. Jennifer notes, “D.I.P.R. marks a major leap in Superplastic’s mission to expand our digital dreams into an unforgettable in-real-life experience ... We’re inviting visitors to actively participate in a story-driven adventure that’s as interactive as it is captivating.”
By immersing visitors in a world that prioritises exploration, the attraction seeks to contribute to a broader cultural conversation about the role of play and imagination in personal growth and community connection.
Mark Bregman is offering a fresh perspective on the challenges and opportunities within Aotearoa NZ’s startup ecosystem through his Antipodean Musings. Drawing on his experiences in both the San Francisco Bay Area and Aotearoa NZ, Mark delves into why ambitious thinking is critical for startups, especially in smaller economies like New Zealand.
He emphasises that for Kiwi entrepreneurs, adopting a bold vision is key to overcome local market constraints and drive innovation, citing Rocket Lab as a NZ-based company that thinks big, and has shown how local startups can become global leaders. His reflections also highlight that thinking beyond local limitations and embracing a global mindset, Kiwi startups can turn constraints into opportunities, fostering long-term growth and impact.
Through his insights, Mark is contributing to the broader conversation about how Aotearoa NZ's entrepreneurial ecosystem can thrive on the world stage by embracing ambition and innovation.
James Nikitine, CEO of the Blue Cradle Foundation, participated in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Oceania Regional Conservation Forum in Fiji, helping to advance marine conservation efforts across the Pacific.
The Forum provided an opportunity for James to connect with fellow IUCN members, including the NZ National Committee, to discuss the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework. He highlighted the importance of community-led approaches and effective marine conservation measures, championing collaborative initiatives that ensure local voices shape strategies like the ‘30by30’ global target.
As James and Blue Cradle prepare for the upcoming 2025 Tīkai Moana Summit & Workshop in Tahiti, the Forum was a timely opportunity to share and align their actions with NGO partners and colleagues.
Harmaan Madon, co-founder of Alimentary Systems (with Matthew Jackson), showcased the organisation’s innovative technologies at the Canterbury Tech Summit, highlighting solutions that can drive meaningful change in waste management and energy transition.
At the event, Harmaan spoke about how Alimentary’s systems contribute to Christchurch's regenerative economic ambition, focusing on sustainable technologies that have the potential to reshape industries and address global environmental challenges. Alimentary’s work aims to create scalable, impactful solutions that align with Aotearoa NZ’s vision for a greener, more sustainable future.
Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom has been elected as a Singularity University Fellow for SpaceTech, recognising her as a leader in championing space technologies to address global challenges and drive sustainable economic development.
As part of the inaugural cohort of Singularity Fellows, Emeline will play a key role in advancing thought leadership and guiding initiatives that align with Singularity’s mission to leverage exponential technologies for the benefit of all.
Through her work in SpaceTech, particularly with SpaceBase, Emeline is driving meaningful impact by inspiring innovative solutions to address the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and contributing to shaping a more abundant future for humanity.
*Images have been provided by Fellows or sourced from the Internet. EHF does not claim to own the images.