Te Pou Taunaki Foundation
Learn about the independent charitable trust which administers donations to the University of Waikato and distributes funds to chosen areas.
Te Pou Taunaki Foundation is part of the University's Development Office, which also looks after alumni relations.
The Foundation, a key part of the University's development efforts and welcomes support from a wide range of people. Whether you're an alumnus, staff member, student, business, or simply someone who believes in Waikato, your contribution makes a difference.
Donations help the next generation of leaders thrive.
Te Pou Taunaki Foundation Board of Trustees
Patron
Dr John Gallagher
Doctor 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.
Chair
Susan Hassall
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.
Paul Adams
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.
Andrew Smith
Doctor Smith was appointed Trustee 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.
Kevin Bowler
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.
University of Waikato Foundation - Te Pou Taunaki
The University of Waikato Foundation - Te Pou Taunaki is an independent charitable trust. By donating you are making a huge impact on the lives of the students who benefit from your generosity.