Our approach

How we work

At Ember Innovations, how we work is just as important as what we do. Our kaupapa is shaped by values, lived experience, and Te Ao Māori. We approach innovation with humility, curiosity, and a deep respect for the people and communities leading change.

Our values in action

Our mahi is grounded in values that guide every partnership, project, and decision:

Tino rangatiratanga

Recognising and upholding the mana of the people we work with, sharing power, and centring lived experience.

Kotahitanga

Working in deep relationship with others, growing collective care and shared purpose.

Kia tika, kia pono

Acting with integrity, cultural competence, and courageous honesty.

Pōtikitanga

Bringing playful curiosity, bold experimentation, and humble disruption to spark new possibilities.

Te Ao Māori & Te Tiriti commitment

We are committed to weaving te Tiriti o Waitangi through all that we do, in ways that are meaningful and intentional. With the guidance of Te Rōpū Tikanga Haumaru me Ngā Kaitohutohu Ahurea o Ember Korowai Takitini – Te Ahi Kā – we are embedding Te Tiriti-led practice across our mahi.

This means:

  • Partnering authentically with tangata whenua and supporting kaupapa Māori innovation.

  • Honouring mātauranga Māori as a vital source of knowledge and guidance.

  • Demonstrating strong and enduring relationships between tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti.

Systems change approach

We’re not just focused on services: we’re working to shift the conditions that hold problems in place.

Our systems change approach includes:

  • Building strong partnerships and trust-based relationships.

  • Supporting research and sharing insights widely.

  • Influencing mindsets, policies, and resource flows that shape wellbeing.

  • Responding to unmet needs with agility and care.

Lived experience & community-led

We believe people with lived experience are experts in the systems they navigate. Their insights and leadership are central to innovation.

We:

  • Centre lived experience in design, research, and governance.

  • Support communities to lead their own innovations.

  • Share stories that reflect the realities, strengths, and aspirations of tangata whaiora, whānau, and rangatahi.

Who we work with

Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. At Ember Innovations, we work alongside communities, innovators, researchers, funders, and systems leaders to reimagine what mental wellbeing support can look like in Aotearoa.

Our approach is relationship-led: we build trust, share power, and recognise the unique role each group plays in creating lasting change.

Communities

We partner with tangata whaiora, whānau, rangatahi, and grassroots advocates who are closest to the challenges, and the opportunities. Their leadership and lived experience guide every step of our mahi.

Innovators

From early-stage changemakers to established social entrepreneurs, we support people with bold ideas to test, grow, and share solutions. We back innovation challenges, provide venture support, and celebrate the impact of those leading change in their own communities.

Tangata whaiora & whānau

People with lived experience of mental distress, addiction, or disability bring deep knowledge of what works and what needs to change. Their voices shape our strategy, our projects, and our vision for a more equitable system.

Kaimahi

We collaborate with people working in mental health, education, and social services who are navigating the system every day. By connecting frontline experience with innovation and research, we create new pathways for wellbeing.

Funders & partners

Philanthropic organisations, co-investors, and civic groups enable innovation through resources, relationships, and advocacy. Together, we design new models of partnership that shift power and fuel bold solutions.

Researchers & knowledge builders

We support researchers — especially those with lived experience — to connect their work with communities and practice. By making knowledge visible and accessible, we help others apply what’s being learned to drive innovation.

Policy & systems leaders

We work with policymakers, strategists, and sector connectors to influence the conditions that shape wellbeing. Through evidence, advocacy, and collaboration, we contribute to shifting policies, mindsets, and resource flows.

Our partners

Ako Manaaki | Managed Moves

Ara Taiohi

Auckland Uniservices

AUT

Boma Global

Breathing Space

Changing minds

Dovetail

eMHIC

FASD CAN

Foundation North

GPNZ

Impact Investing Network

Kings Trust

Koi Tū

Netsafe

Neurodiversity in Education Project

Ngāhere Communities

Ngāpuhi Social Services

Ngāti Hine Health Trust

Northable Matapuna Hauora

Paihere Charitable Trust

Pathfinder Asset Management

Perpetual Guardian

Pou Pasifika

Pūkenga Psychology

Purpose Partner

Selwyn Foundation

Shore Junction

Soul Capital

Spectrum Foundation

Te Hau Ora o Ngāpuhi

Te Hiringa Mahara

Te Ngākau Kahukura

Te Rourou One Foundation

TheMHS

University of Auckland

Wayne Frances Charitable Trust

Whau Foundation

Young Neurodiversity Champions

Youthline