Philantrophy

Hiraya Foundation is our philanthropic initiative focused on backing people and ideas that move Aotearoa New Zealand forward. With a long-term lense, we support individuals, ideas and projects that create meaningful change.

We back initiatives shaping the future of education, amplifying the arts, and supporting emerging Kiwi talent.

In focus

A spotlight on the projects and people we're supporting.

The Helen Clark Foundation

Research Project 2026-2027

Hiraya directors, Alliv and Hengjie, have spent over a decade building Kami for classrooms around the world. They've seen first hand how using technology thoughtfully and intentionally can transform how students learn, no matter their age and learning ability.

That's why we're is proud to support The Helen Clark Foundation's latest independent research project exploring how New Zealand can integrate tech and AI in education, bringing together international best practice and local expertise to deliver practical recommendations to the government early next year.

CIE Alumni Fund

University of Auckland ‧ Centre for Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE)

In 2012, Kami was born from a student project at the University of Auckland's Velocity programme. Years later, with Kami now supporting over 70 million users worldwide, Alliv and Hengjie wanted to back the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Through Hiraya, they established the CIE Alumni Fund to keep these programmes free and accessible for years to come. In 2025 alone, CIE supported more than 8,000 students, and demand keeps growing. It's our way of providing access to young founders and creating a pathway for future alumni to do the same.

Common Material: Wellington Biennial 2026

5–7 June 2026 ‧ City Gallery Wellington

Common Material is a new design-focused cultural event celebrating Wellington as a centre for creative practice. This event brings together four of Wellington's most significant fashion labels, twenty-seven names, Yu Mei, Kowtow and JPalm, for a three-day exhibition, runway shows and conversations at City Gallery Wellington. It also marks the building's first public opening in over two years.

Hiraya is proud to support a creative platform that puts local talent front and centre. With ambitions to grow into a full biennial in 2028, we're excited to see what Wellington's creative community builds from here.

Find out more