Our History

        An informal group of Auckland inventors evolved into a group called the Auckland National Enterprise Workshop (ANEW) which in 1997 became The Inventors Trust, a registered charitable trust. The goals set out in our trust deed include assisting inventors by networking, sharing of expertise, education, and where possible by assisting the inventor to commercial realisation of their invention, to the benefit of the wider community and New Zealand as a whole. Within these aims, we have a particular interest in fostering projects which strongly benefit employment, the environment, or have positive social benefits.

In 1998 we gained valuable sponsorship from the Tindall Foundation, enabling Geoff Fergusson to pioneer and operate, with his team, the Evaluation project, providing objective professional assessment of new ideas and projects. In the last eight years we have helped thousands of struggling inventors and formally evaluated hundreds of ideas and products. We gratefully acknowledge and appreciate the excellent support provided during this period by The Foundation.

We strongly encourage young inventors and speak to school groups (like the Gifted Kids Programme, GKP.) whenever possible. Following the initiative of senior member Ray Fox, in 2002 we pioneered the children's technology and innovation competition “Techtrix”, now ably run by MOTAT. We provided significant input into the development of the University of Auckland’s Invention Development course.

Members of our group have an impressive track record for generating original concepts of national and international significance. These include the Aquada aquatic sports car, Mahana high temperature heat pump, Motorweb/VIR vehicle information system, Terrasaw portable power trencher, Hoofeze stockboot, Sofia anaesthetic safety system, and many others. Our members have appeared in numerous books, magazines, press articles and other media.

Like our sister organisations the National Innovation Centre in Christchurch and The Wellington Inventors Network in the capital, we are an important national and local resource. Many government departments and agencies refer inventors to the Inventors Trust for our unique assistance, yet so far we have been unable to obtain any government funding or assistance.

We are keen to obtain sufficient support and sponsorship to permanently maintain and ultimately expand our services to the benefit of all New Zealand innovators. We have attempted to raise awareness among government and business leaders of the large and serious lack of support for grassroots Kiwi inventors, and the loss of intellectual property and national productivity that results. We regularly speak to business groups and the media on the topic of inventing.

Invention Evaluations

    This is a valuable service available to members and non-members alike. Now in the eighth year of operation it has assisted hundreds of first-time and experienced Kiwi inventors. The evaluation manager consults with a very small group of experienced fellow inventors, assessing submitted projects in a confidential environment.

The discussion outcomes are noted and the manager later produces a written report. This focuses on the vital market and technical aspects, attempting to clarify the two most critical questions, “Does it work?” & “Will it sell?” The report typically includes recommendations about the next steps to take. This service is currently available for a modest fee/on a cost recovery basis - please contact us for details.

Many evaluees report that this process has greatly assisted their project or saved them time and money that might otherwise have been spent on projects with limited potential. It is virtually impossible for any inventor (or indeed, their well-meaning friends and family) to be unbiased about their own creation, so it is important to get objective feedback if you can.

For more information on the evaluation process and the forms on which to submit your idea for review, simply phone our voice-mail (09 522 3336) or e-mail us (see 'We Are' below) giving your full mailing address and ask for an Evaluation Pack.