Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF)

EHF Fellows are delivering extraordinary value for Aotearoa NZ - investing millions of dollars into Kiwi businesses year-on-year, connecting Kiwi founders to international markets, contributing to high value sectors like renewable energy and AI through their transformative ventures, supporting regional communities to thrive, tackling social inequities and addressing environmental issues. Released today, the Hillary Institute & EHF Annual Report for 2023/24 shows EHF’s commitment to building NZ’s innovation economy, and how Fellows are playing a critical role in helping businesses scale globally, leveraging their knowledge and extensive networks to develop, scale, and fund cutting-edge local innovations. A celebration of outstanding impact by two extraordinary groups - EHF Fellows and Hillary Laureates - read about their stories, highlights and achievements here: https://lnkd.in/gX8WXqyY In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing highlights from the Annual Report and how the 2023/24 year has been one of significant impact and momentum.

In September and October, we spotlighted some of the EHF Fellows making a positive impact on people’s health and wellbeing. We shared how they're: 💻 reshaping systems and utilising technology to improve access to care, like Norbu Feng He’s mobile platform MyTherapist - making mental health care accessible across Asia, and Dr Reza Jarral's innovative approach - leveraging technology for more equitable healthcare 🏥 developing people-centric models and approaches, like Jeni Mayorskaya’s Stork Club Reproductive Care Benefits addressing gaps for women’s fertility and maternity care, Larissa Michelsen and Janette Searle's Pacific Med Tech improving healthcare access in the Pacific Islands - as well as Hazel Heal’s work to eliminate Hepatitis B in Niue, and Erin Jackson’s Project Gender work to address the unmet needs of women overlooked by traditional healthcare systems 🌿 developing consumer products designed to enhance health and wellbeing, like Dr Bo Hendgen's natural healthcare solutions at Absolute Essential, and Chloe Van Dyke and Florence Van Dyke's Chia Sisters nature-inspired functional drinks 💪 enabling communities and whānau to drive collective wellbeing like Jase Te Patu’s foundation Hauora Aotearoa, which is equipping kaiako (teachers) and rangatahi (young people) with the tools to build a healthier future - grounded in te ao Māori principles, Joanne McEachen’s Peerwell fostering emotional resilience through peer learning, and Danika Revell’s work through The Period Place to ensure menstrual products reach those in underserved communities. These stories are just some examples of Fellows who are transforming the health and wellbeing landscape in Aotearoa NZ and around the world. Ngā mihi nui to the Fellows who shared their impactful mahi (work) for these stories! This month, we’ll have a new ‘spotlight’ focusing on highlights and stories from our upcoming 2023/24 Annual Report, showcasing the impact Hillary Laureates and EHF Fellows have created during the year.

September was another impact-filled month for EHF Fellows - check out what they’ve been up to in the September Impact Snapshot, online now. Read about the Fellows sharing their international tech and AI expertise in NZ and global businesses, advancing conservation and climate action partnerships between Singapore and NZ, and launching new platforms to transform mental health support. Fellows have also been helping professionals secure leadership roles in top climate companies to tackle critical environmental challenges, investing in cutting edge NZ startups and supporting Māori and indigenous entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses. Plus, see how Fellows are strengthening the understanding and application of Te Tiriti o Waitangi within Pasifika communities and marking milestones in education and environmental systems, and more! Catch the September Impact Snapshot today on our website. https://lnkd.in/gv6jRVG6 Yonggang Wang Dr Jonathan Chang Rajesh Kurup Joanne McEachen Vishal Chaddha Rich Bodo NZVC Kara Technologies Shoaib Iqbal, (PMP)® Chris Wake Lily Stender Scott D. Miller Marco Morawec Faumuina F. Maria Tafuna'i Kia Kotahi Ako Sarah Grant Jennifer van Dijk Nancy Bennett Mark Bregman James Nikitine Harmaan Raj Madon Matthew Jackson Emeline Paat-Dahlstrom

Hazel Heal, co-founder of Global Health New Zealand, is leading a life-changing mission to eliminate Hepatitis B in Niue, addressing health inequities in the Pacific region. Earlier this year, we shone a spotlight on Hazel’s work to improve healthcare in Niue. If you missed the original story, you can read it here: https://lnkd.in/gBcktsYJ Through the Cure a Country project, Hazel is providing essential medical care, building local healthcare capacity, and transforming healthcare systems in the Pacific. Her work is saving lives and paving the way for a healthier, Hepatitis-free future for Niue, significantly enhancing the wellbeing of the entire community. Hazel’s remarkable journey to eliminate Hepatitis B in Niue has been captured in the powerful documentary Down with Hepatitis, produced by EHF Fellow Hunter Weeks with support from EHF Fellow Kaye Maree Dunn, now available on YouTube. The film captures the profound impact of the team’s efforts, telling the human stories behind the statistics and showcasing the life-changing transformations happening in Niue. Watch this remarkable story of hope and resilience in Pasifika communities. https://lnkd.in/gt8tbSxK To support Hazel’s work, visit: https://lnkd.in/gdsMKWds

EHF Fellows are finding transformative solutions to address critical issues in women's health and wellbeing, focusing on equity and access in healthcare. Through innovative initiatives and advocacy, they are reshaping the landscape of maternity care, gender equity, and menstrual health in Aotearoa NZ and beyond. Jeni Mayorskaya is the founder and CEO of Stork Club Reproductive Care Benefits, a US-based company transforming maternity and fertility healthcare. Her work addresses the health and equity crisis caused by gaps in access to high-quality reproductive care and rising maternal mortality rates. Stork Club improves access to care via employer-sponsored benefits that improve clinical outcomes for conception and births, and reduce the cost of care. Its support services benefit individuals while also helping businesses attract and retain talent. By tackling systemic issues such as high rates of preterm births, multiple births, and unnecessary C-sections - which increase health risks and financial burdens - Jeni’s approach offers a solution toward a more equitable and effective healthcare system for women and families. Erin Jackson is the director of Project Gender, Aotearoa NZ’s only feminist innovation studio; they’re dedicated to advancing gender equity and improving healthcare for women, wāhine, trans, non-binary and intersex people. Through insights research, innovative campaigns, and real-world solutions, part of Project Gender’s focus is on addressing the unmet health needs of women, which are often overlooked by traditional healthcare systems. Erin played a key role in shaping Aotearoa NZ’s first-ever National Women’s Health Strategy and highlighted the needs of single parents through the 'Mako Mama – Mangopare' report. Project Gender has also launched 'EttieKits', STI Rapid Tests, enabling everyone to discreetly and reliably test for STIs in the privacy of their own home. These initiatives reflect Project Gender's commitment to creating impactful solutions that prioritise women’s wellbeing and drive systemic change in healthcare. Danika Revell is the co-founder and CEO of The Period Place, a charity in Aotearoa NZ dedicated to achieving menstrual equity. The organisation advocates for periods to be openly discussed and recognised as a normal biological process, and for universal access to period products regardless of circumstance. The Period Place focuses on three pillars: Conversation, Education, and Access, as pathways to intergenerational menstrual equity. Over the past five years, The Period Place has led stigma-busting conversations to normalise menstruation and elevate understanding of menstrual health. The charity has worked tirelessly to ensure that menstrual products reach those in underserved communities, which has significantly impacted women's health and wellbeing in Aotearoa NZ.

Following on from NZ’s Mental Health Awareness Week last week, which centred on the theme ‘Community is what we create together,’ we wanted to revisit the incredible mahi (work) of EHF Fellow Jase Te Patu. Earlier this year, we shone a spotlight on his efforts to strengthen mental health resilience in Aotearoa, NZ. If you missed the original story, you can read it here: https://lnkd.in/gNcDuiie Through his foundation, Hauora Aotearoa, Jase is equipping kaiako (teachers) and rangatahi (young people) with the tools to build a healthier future. Grounded in te ao Māori principles, his programme teaches Te Whare Tapa Whā – the four pillars of wellbeing – helping communities connect, support each other, and prioritise holistic health. Jase’s work is an inspiring example of how, by coming together as a community, we can redefine what mental health support looks like and nurture resilience and wellness for future generations.

EHF Fellows are advancing the health & wellbeing sector by merging traditional wisdom with modern science. Their innovative products have been developed to enhance physical and mental wellbeing, illustrating how cutting-edge approaches can drive progress in holistic health. Dr Bo Hendgen Hendgen, founder of Absolute Essential ®, has dedicated over 35 years to creating natural healthcare solutions aimed at improving physical and mental health. As a trained natural health practitioner, she formulates essential oils that deliver proven therapeutic benefits, including stress relief, improved mood, and enhanced overall wellness. Bo’s high-quality, medicinal-grade oils are crafted using rigorous scientific methods to ensure they retain potent, health-boosting compounds. Her innovative approach integrates modern scientific understanding with traditional practices, contributing to holistic health, both locally in Aotearoa NZ and internationally. Chia Sisters, founded by Fellows Chloe Van Dyke and Florence Van Dyke, is improving health and wellbeing through science-backed, nature-inspired functional drinks. Leveraging Chloe's neuroscience expertise and principles of herbal medicine, they’ve created beverages that actively support energy, digestion, brain function, and recovery. They have a strong focus on nutrient absorption, using plant bioactives and micronutrients that deliver tangible benefits to the body, not just avoiding harmful ingredients. Their commitment to sustainability reinforces a holistic approach to wellbeing - connecting personal health to the health of the planet - making their drinks a powerful tool for both nourishment and environmental care. These are just two examples of NZ Fellows making a positive impact for the wellbeing of tāngata (people) and te Taiao (natural environment).

Following the belief that prevention is the key to addressing mental health challenges, EHF Fellow Joanne McEachen (Jojo) has co-founded Peerwell - along with Daniel Paul - a groundbreaking new platform designed to promote mental wellbeing through the power of peer learning. The new organisation focuses on nurturing emotional resilience and preventing mental health issues by building strong, supportive communities. Grounded in the concept of ‘Contributive Learning’, Peerwell intends to help individuals understand themselves, their emotions, and their strengths, providing the tools necessary to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and empathy. Jojo's extensive career in education, combined with her passion for mental health, has shaped Peerwell’s mission to redesign outdated systems and bridge the gap between education and emotional wellbeing. Recognising the increasing mental health challenges faced by individuals, particularly within school settings, Peerwell provides technology that connects people, enabling collective support and empowerment. Rather than relying solely on traditional mental health models, Peerwell encourages communities and whānau (families) to take an active role in driving collective wellbeing. Through peer support networks and tools designed to foster meaningful human connections, Peerwell aims to prevent mental health crises before they occur. Jojo’s belief in the power of self-awareness, combined with community strength, guides Peerwell’s vision to create healthier, more resilient environments for all. Find out more about why Jojo co-founded Peerwell here: https://lnkd.in/grnMKy3R #MHAWNZ

EHF Fellow Dr Reza Jarral is driving transformative change in global healthcare, using innovative technology and compassionate leadership to tackle health inequities. As a primary care physician, chief medical officer, and advocate for equitable outcomes, Reza has spent over a decade at the forefront of healthcare, merging technology with medical practice to reach underserved communities. In his role as Clinical Director for Equity at ProCare , Aotearoa NZ's largest primary healthcare organisation, he leads efforts to provide inclusive care to over 850,000 people, ensuring that marginalised populations have improved access to vital health services. In addition to his role at ProCare, Reza is also the Chief Medical Officer at CareHQ, a telehealth service in Aotearoa NZ that partners with local communities to bridge unmet needs. As the inaugural Clinical Entrepreneur in-Residence, Reza also guides investment in deep health technology at Bridgewest Ventures NZ , scaling NZ ventures that have the potential to make global impact. His multilateral work at the coal face of healthcare and with several global initiatives, such as the World Health Organisation’s ‘AI4Health,’ have helped to democratise access to healthcare, making quality care more accessible. Reza’s career has taken him from the National Health Service in the UK to the frontlines of care in sub-Saharan Africa and more recently, Aotearoa NZ. His commitment to responsible, sustainable healthcare practices has earned him accolades, including being named an Emerging Alumni Leader by Imperial College London in 2021. He is passionate about leveraging technology to create a more equitable future, and his expertise in digital health is shaping the future of telemedicine and AI in healthcare. Reza’s collaborative spirit extends beyond his clinical work. As a guest lecturer at Tech Futures Lab, the NZ Army, and an advisor for UK-based Syndi Health, he works with diverse teams to explore the ethical and social dimensions of health technology. His mission is to inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers to use technology for the greater good. Reza’s mahi (work) demonstrates the impact of combining clinical expertise with cutting-edge innovation to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for all. In 2025, Reza will join the Stanford Centre for Digital Health to research the intersection between applied digital health and behavioural science.

With mental health concerns estimated to impact over 15% of the general population across Asia, providing accessible and affordable psychological care is a significant challenge. EHF Fellow Feng H. (Norbu He) is addressing this issue through his role as co-founder and COO of 简单心理 MyTherapist (jiandanxinli.com), a platform making a meaningful difference in mental health care in Asia. Founded in 2014, MyTherapist has become one of the largest platforms for therapists in Asia, bridging the gap between those in need of support and qualified professionals. Norbu, with an MBA from Stanford University and a background in management consulting and entrepreneurship, has been pivotal in shaping the platform’s vision and operations. MyTherapist is a comprehensive mobile platform connecting psychotherapists with clients across China and beyond. It is supported by a diverse team of over 1800 counsellors and mental health professionals from over 100 cities worldwide, including highly trained Chinese-speaking therapists from North America and Europe, ensuring culturally sensitive, high-quality care. The platform’s mission is to make psychotherapy accessible and affordable for all. By offering a wide range of services - including intake consultations, psychotherapy, and psychiatric consultations - MyTherapist addresses various aspects of mental health, from emotional stress and relationships to personal growth and parent–child education. Its growth and user uptake has been due to a multifaceted approach. For individual users, it provides personalised, professional services through a user-friendly platform. For corporate clients, it offers Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP), serving over 3 million employees in various industries.   Norbu’s leadership at MyTherapist demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to mental health care. By leveraging technology and global expertise, MyTherapist is making mental health services more accessible. With over one million therapy sessions conducted to date, its reach is significant, offering inclusive and integrated mental health support.