Liz Dengate Thrush FOUNDATION
Supporting Smart Use of the Internet for a Brighter Tomorrow
Digital Literacy & Internet Safety
Helping New Zealanders navigate the online world confidently and safely.
This section provides resources and guides to improve understanding of how the Internet works, online safety practices, privacy protection, and digital wellbeing.
Internet Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Inspiring and supporting Kiwi innovators to build a better digital future.
Showcasing stories, tools, and opportunities that encourage Internet-based startups, creative tech projects, and digital business development in New Zealand.
Community & Education Initiatives
Empowering communities through education and digital inclusion.
Highlighting foundation-led programs, school partnerships, workshops, and grants aimed at bridging the digital divide and making Internet opportunities accessible for all.
Liz Dengate Thrush FOUNDATION
About Liz Dengate Thrush
To her family and business colleagues, Liz was an inspiration. To the wider internet business community, Liz possessed the ability to be conceptual and strategic, seeing the big picture, implementing systems and dealing aptly with the details.
Liz’s intelligent approach and her understanding of business strategies meant she was innovative and practical when finding new ways of doing old business or enhancing existing business.
Liz brought an enthusiasm to every project she was involved with, always showing a generosity of spirit that empowered her colleagues and staff.
She was a good negotiator and able to see both sides of a discussion calmly. She had a high level of integrity and personal courage, which gave her the ability to take tough decisions without being seen to be either unfair or judgmental.
At the start of the 1980s she joined a computing company, beginning what would become a 26-year career in IT that included jobs at Telecom, TelstraClear, the Ministry of Economic Development, and sitting on the Council of InternetNZ.
Liz was a past member of the Ministry for Information & Communication Technology, Education Advisory Group (ITAG); past Counsellor of Internet NZ; a member of Internet NZ; and a member of the Ruapehu Ski Club and the Wellington Club.
In 2005 Liz set up a business called Brain Fuel, which offered a package that allowed a number NZQA- accredited certificates to be completed online.
Liz was born and spent her formative years in Australia, but lived in Wellington, New Zealand since the early 1970’s, attending Victoria University of Wellington where she attained a Bachelor of Science then a Bachelor of Science with Honours (double major in Geology and Botany).
After meeting Peter at Victoria University, they married and had three children Clare, Phoebe and Henry. Liz’s interests were many and varied, namely reading, gardening, antiques, horse riding, family activities, design, painting, sculpture, personal development, travel, theatre and skiing.
Liz Dengate Thrush FOUNDATION
Purpose of Liz Dengate Thrush Foundation
The objective of the Liz Dengate Thrush Foundation is to improve people’s awareness and understanding of Internet technologies, and encourage Internet entrepreneurship and other positive uses of the Internet in New Zealand.
Liz Dengate Thrush FOUNDATION