Education Partnership and Innovation Trust (EPIT)

Transforming Education in Aotearoa.

The Education Partnership and Innovation Trust (EPIT) is on a mission to foster a thriving and equitable education landscape in Aotearoa, New Zealand. With a vision to tackle education inequity head-on, EPIT provides both a physical space and digital platform for individuals and organisations passionate about transformative educational outcomes.

At the heart of EPIT’s approach is the belief in the power of cross-sector partnerships. By bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, including educators, business owners, tech entrepreneurs, NGOs, philanthropists, and policymakers, EPIT creates an ecosystem where ideas, resources, and expertise can be shared collaboratively. This collaborative approach is essential for addressing the complex challenges facing educators and education in New Zealand.

EPIT’s success in realising its vision has attracted significant support, including a substantial funding boost. With a total funding of $10 million over five years, EPIT is well-positioned to continue its impactful work. The recent commitment of $4 million from a foundation partner underscores the confidence in EPIT’s mission and the effectiveness of its initiatives.

Currently, EPIT supports a diverse range of educational initiatives across the country, with 20 active initiatives and six seed fund pilots underway. These initiatives address various educational challenges, from improving speech language therapy for Māori children to fostering early years transition programs and enhancing family engagement in education. EPIT’s initiatives span across different regions, ensuring that communities across New Zealand benefit from its efforts.

Central to EPIT’s impact are the events hosted at Te Whiriwhiringa, The Nest, which serve as forums for stakeholders to come together, share insights, and forge connections. These events bring together a wide range of stakeholders, fostering greater understanding of each other’s work and catalysing new collaborations. Through these interactions, EPIT is building a more collaborative ecosystem where innovative solutions to education challenges can thrive.

As EPIT continues to expand its reach and impact, it remains committed to its vision of creating a more equitable and inclusive education system in Aotearoa. By fostering partnerships, driving innovation, and amplifying the voices of educators and communities, EPIT is paving the way for transformative change in New Zealand’s education landscape.

EPIT’s latest Impact Report is available here.