Applications Open for Kaupapa Māori Event Fund (New Zealand)

The Kaupapa Māori Event Fund is a collaborative initiative aimed at supporting events that celebrate Māoritanga (Māori culture) in the Tauranga region. This fund is a partnership between Manawa Trust, Tauranga City Council, Bay Trust, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and the Acorn Foundation. The fund is accepting applications throughout the year until the allocation is exhausted. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Manawa Trust, Tauranga City Council, Bay Trust, Western Bay of Plenty District Council, Acorn Foundation

- Funding Type: Event Support Fund

- Maximum Grant: Up to $50,000 NZD + GST per event

- Total Fund Pool: $214,000 NZD + GST for events between 1 July 2026 – 30 June 2027

- Eligible Applicants: Must be driven by or in partnership with iwi and/or hapū

- Eligible Locations: Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand

- Application Deadlines: Ongoing until funds are exhausted; specific deadlines for public holiday events

About the Opportunity

The Kaupapa Māori Event Fund aims to promote and support events that highlight Māori culture and heritage in Tauranga. The fund seeks to enhance community engagement by encouraging events that deliver tangible benefits to both the community and tangata whenua. Events must be open and accessible to the public. Funding and Benefits - Grants of up to $50,000 NZD + GST per event, with an average grant of $10,000 NZD + GST. - Multi-year funding is not available. - Funding is released in two stages: 50% before the event and 50% after submitting a satisfactory post-event evaluation report. Who Is Eligible? - Events must be driven by or in partnership with iwi and/or hapū. - Events must deliver community and tangata whenua benefits. - Events should celebrate Tauranga Moana tangata whenua and promote tikanga Māori. - Applications for events that are predominantly commercial or already receive substantial support from fund partners are less likely to be funded. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas - Events celebrating Tauranga Moana tangata whenua. - Events promoting and sharing tikanga Māori. - Events with historical and/or cultural significance. - Events that are free or have low admission costs. Why This Opportunity Matters This fund plays a vital role in preserving and promoting Māori culture within the Tauranga community. By supporting events that celebrate Māori heritage, the fund helps foster cultural awareness and community cohesion. How to Apply - Review eligibility criteria and ensure your event aligns with the fund’s priorities. - Contact the Te Pou Takawaenga team at kaupapafund@tauranga.govt.nz or call (07) 577 7322 to discuss your event. - Prepare necessary documentation, including a budget and written support from local iwi, hapū, or marae. - Submit an online application including all required details and supporting documents. Frequently Asked Questions How much funding can I apply for? You can apply for a grant of up to $50,000 NZD + GST, although the average grant is typically around $10,000 NZD + GST per event. When is the application deadline? Applications can be submitted year-round until funds are exhausted. Specific deadlines apply for public holiday events. Can I apply for multi-year funding? No, multi-year funding is not available. Applicants can reapply for future events upon completing a successful funding cycle. What documents are required for application? You must include a budget, and written support from the local iwi, hapū, or marae, along with details of their involvement in your event. Who reviews the applications? An Event Funding Panel comprised of representatives from the fund partners will review applications. Next Steps Eligible applicants should review the official guidelines and reach out to the Te Pou Takawaenga team to discuss their event. Ensure all application requirements are thoroughly met before submission.