LPR Collective – blending creativity, technology, and whānau
Empowered by the North King Country Development Trust
When life threw Kane Wharepouri a challenge, he met it with resilience, creativity, and a vision for the future. After a serious back injury changed his path, Kane decided he didn’t want to be on ACC for life. Drawing on his experience in broadcasting, he pivoted toward the fast-evolving worlds of gaming, virtual reality (VR), app development, and research and development (R&D) - founding LPR Collective.
The name “LPR” holds deep family meaning: Little Pako (after his father’s nickname, earned during deployment to France) and Roots - representing connection and heritage. True to its name, LPR is now a family-run business, with Kane’s two sons and daughter contributing their creative talents in music, design, and storytelling.
Opportunity through NKCDT support
With the support of the North King Country Development Trust, Kane received a grant that enabled him to attend the Floating Rock Pitchfest in Wellington, a major industry event connecting innovators, animators, and creatives from around the world. The experience opened doors to new partnerships, inspired global thinking, and sparked fresh ideas for LPR’s next chapter.
Kane also undertook Xero training through the same grant, giving him the confidence to manage business finances, track profitability, and provide financial documentation for government contracts. It’s empowered him to run his creative business with the same professionalism as any large-scale operation.
Reinventing creativity with AI and innovation
LPR Collective works at the cutting edge of technology, using artificial intelligence to handle up to 90% of the “donkey work”, freeing the team to focus on creativity and innovation. They collaborate with major tech companies, experimenting with beta tools and AI models, even working with companies like Siri and ChatGPT.
Their recent project, pitched at the Floating Rock Pitchfest alongside Wētā FX, is “Netflix-ready” and uses AI extensively. The event connected Kane with award-winning professionals, including Emmy-winning animators, and inspired him to think beyond local borders: to dream bigger, think global, and take New Zealand creativity to the world.
Projects with purpose
LPR’s projects showcase an exciting blend of technology, culture, and community spirit.
Virtual History Tours: Using geo-caching and Google Maps, Kane is developing an app that allows users to explore New Zealand’s history - viewing how sites looked in the past, including pā locations and cultural landmarks.
VR for the Elderly: A virtual reality tool that helps retirees, such as former builders, stay mentally active by simulating the experience of building a home - without physical strain.
AI Business Assistant: A practical app designed for small businesses that automates phone answering, bookings, invoicing, and reminders - currently in testing and soon to expand into other industries.
Pepeha App: A digital tool to help Māori, including those living overseas, discover and learn their pepeha using geo-coding and simple questions about their whakapapa and iwi connections.
Sports Analytics Platform: In collaboration with the Texas Girls Softball Team, LPR is creating an app that tracks player statistics and technique through video and data - helping coaches improve performance and efficiency.
Staying true to kaupapa
For Kane, knowing his kaupapa - his guiding purpose and values, is essential. Whether he’s developing tools for Māori communities, building global partnerships, or mentoring his children through creative ventures, he ensures that LPR’s work remains grounded in authenticity and connection to culture.
“NKCDT helped me take that first step - to upskill, to grow, and to believe that we can compete on a global stage while staying true to who we are.”
The ripple effect of local support
What began as a grant for training and a trip to Wellington has evolved into a thriving business pushing technological boundaries, creating opportunities for local talent, and strengthening family and community ties.
Kane encourages others to explore NKCDT’s support opportunities:
“If you’re thinking about growing your skills or business, go for it. The Trust gives you the confidence and the resources to turn ideas into reality.”
LPR Collective...
...is proof that with the right support, innovation can thrive anywhere, even on the “oily rag” of Kiwi ingenuity.
The North King Country Development Trust is proud to stand behind entrepreneurs like Kane, whose passion, creativity, and commitment continue to grow the region’s economic and cultural wellbeing.
Phone: 027 506 5960
Email: admin@lprcollective.com
Email: admin@nkcdt.co.nz
North King Country Development Trust supports local people and businesses through funding, mentoring, and capability-building programmes that strengthen our region’s economic wellbeing.
Our catchment area for business funding
Arohena | Aria | Awakino | Benneydale | Hangatiki | Kiokio | Kinohaku | Kopaki | Mahoenui | Maihiihi | Mangakino | Mangaorongo | Mangaotaki | Mangatutu | Mapiu | Marokopa | Mokau | Mokauiti | Ngaroma | Oparure | Otewa | Otorohanga | PioPio | Piripiri | Panetapu | Pureora | Rangitoto | Taharoa | Te Kuiti | Te Mapara | Tongaporutu | Waimahora | Waimiha | Waipa Valley | Waitomo | Whakamaru | Wharepuhanga