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The University of Waikato Foundation | Te Pou Taunaki Foundation — who we are

The University of Waikato Foundation | Te Pou Taunaki Foundation is an independent charitable trust which administers donations to the University and distributes funds to chosen areas.

The Foundation is part of the University's Development Office, which also looks after alumni relations.

When you give to the University, you make a huge impact on the lives of the students who benefit from your generosity.

We welcome and encourage donations from anyone with an active interest in Waikato University — including alumni, staff, students, stakeholders, businesses, and members of the community.

Board of Trustees

: Sir John Gallagher has served on the University Council since 1990, been Pro-Chancellor and Chancellor, and was formerly Chair of the Foundation before his current position as Patron. He has an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Waikato.
In 2015, the Glenice and John Gallagher Foundation established the Dr John Gallagher Chair in Engineering, to further the University's engineering research.

: Doctor Smith was appointed Chair of the University's Foundation in 2024. He was appointed to the University's Foundation in 2022.
In 1989, Dr Smith became the University's first Rhodes Scholar, which saw him attend the University of Oxford to complete his doctorate.
Andrew is currently the Chief Executive of Prolife Foods, known for brands such as Mother Earth, Alison's Pantry and Donovan's Chocolates.
In 2019, he received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University in recognition of his international business success.
In 2021, he established the Dr Andrew Smith Medal for Academic Excellence and is a foundation donor to the University of Waikato Distinguished Alumni Scholarship.

: Susan was appointed to the University's Foundation in 2016. She is also a member of the Honours Committee, and was appointed Pro-Chancellor in 2017.
Susan was previously Headmaster of Hamilton Boys' High School. Beginning her career at the school as a first-year English teacher, in 2000 she was appointed Headmaster — becoming the first woman to lead a New Zealand boys' school. 
In the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, she was named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to education.

: Sir Paul was appointed Trustee to the University's Foundation in 2021. As chair of the University of Waikato Campus Development Committee, he helped lead the development of the Tauranga campus, and made major contributions to revamping Bay Oval and the Adams High Performance Sports Centre.
Sir Paul is currently the executive chair of Carrus, a property development company he founded in 1990. He is also chair of Accessible Properties, a not-for-profit social and disability housing provider.
In 2013, Sir Paul was appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to business and philanthropy. In 2019, he was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to philanthropy and the community.

: Kevin was appointed Trustee to the University’s Foundation in 2023. In 2020, he received a Distinguished Alumni Award from the University in recognition of his outstanding contribution to leadership and his innovative approach to promoting some of New Zealand’s best-known brands.
Kevin is the former CEO of My Food Bag and Tourism New Zealand and has over 30 years of experience in marketing and business leadership in New Zealand and internationally and in 2018 he was inducted into the New Zealand Marketing Hall of Fame.  Kevin has continued to give back to the University over the years by sharing his leadership expertise with students and, has previously chaired the Waikato Management School Business Advisory Board.

Areas of greatest need

Every single dollar raised for the Foundation goes directly towards helping students achieve their potential and maximises the economic and social impact of the University.

Please support our Annual Appeal. You can choose from a range of areas to support including scholarships, research, and healthcare.

Other areas you can support

Donors can support the university through general contributions, memorial gifts, or campus development projects, helping enhance facilities and create a thriving environment for students and faculty.

: Make an online donation to help break down financial barriers for students, contribute to Scholarship & Prizes, support the future of healthcare or accelerate research.
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: Make an online donation to support one of our many memorial gift funds and ensure the legacy of those past continues to support our students and the University.
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: Make an online donation to help contribute to enriching the campus experience for our students.
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Ways to give back

You can donate through our secure online donation form or directly into the Foundation bank account via internet banking — please email us at The Foundation if you would like the account details. 

All donations are recorded by the University, though donors can choose to remain anonymous. All information collected at the time of donating will be kept safe and secure as per the University of Waikato Privacy Statement.

Talk to us to find out what option will best suit you.

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Naming opportunities

Naming opportunities are available for individuals and organisations looking to help create positive change in our communities and make a lasting impact. Email The Foundation to learn what opportunities are right for you.

Memorial gifts and bequests

A legacy gift is a way to continue to do good beyond your lifetime. Bequests can be financial or assets —stocks, shares, bonds, real estate, artwork or cultural collections. Email The Foundation if you would like to discuss this further.

Non-financial support

We are very grateful for non-financial support to help students, such as hosting interns through our Work Integrated Learning programme, donated products and services, or mentoring a student/s. There are many ways you can help. Email The Foundation to learn more.

$10.6m in new pledges

200+ students received $800k in scholarships and Prizes

$2.1m in total donations

20.1% Endowment Fund portfolio performance

$193k new philanthropic scholarships and prizes established

$18m in managed funds

$3.2m gifts already pledged for 2025

78% of individual donors who are alumni

Donor Stories

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, University of Waikato students, staff and researchers are fulfilling their full potential and contributing solutions to the critical questions of our time. Their donations help to support our world-leading education and research programmes and create a brighter future for all.

Read about the impact that our donors are making at the University of Waikato.

The University of Waikato Foundation | Te Pou Taunaki

The University of Waikato Foundation | Te Pou Taunaki Foundation — who we are

Board of Trustees

Patron - Sir John Gallagher, CNZM, KStJ, JP

Chair - Dr Andrew Smith

Trustee - Susan Hassall ONZM

Trustee - Sir Paul Adams KNZM, CNZM

Trustee - Kevin Bowler

Areas of greatest need

Other areas you can support

General Support

Memorial Gifts

Campus Development