Te tono pūtea - Funding
This page outlines funding opportunities for Mori organisations.
There are a number of organisations in Aotearoa that provide funding for charities. Below are funders who give grants that specifically support Mori organisations. You can find a list of other funding options on our website. How to fund your charity .
Oranga Marae
Oranga Marae supports the physical and cultural revitalisation of marae as centres of Mori identity and mtauranga (knowledge). An advisor can provide advice and practical support to help you develop marae, whnau, hap and iwi. Find out more about Oranga Marae .
Te Kwai Toro - J R McKenzie Trust
The J R McKenzie Trust is a philanthropic family trust that has been grant making in Aotearoa since 1940. Te Kwai Toro was established by the Trust in 2005 to proactively support and enable Mori development. Learn more about Te Kwai Toro .
The committee administers the Ptea Toro Fund. This fund provides small grants for rp/organisations in support of Mori led development for any of the following:
- building organisational capacityattending hui/conferencesinfrastructure developmentnetworkingsocial enterprise initiativesseeding grantsexpertise/researchadvocacy or lobbying for positive change.
J R McKenzie also undertook research into philanthropic funding to Mori.
J R McKenzie Trust 'Philanthropic Funding to Mori'
Te Puni Kkiri
Te Puni Kkiri has several funds available to support Mori organisations.
Te Ptake o te Riri (Wars and Conflict in New Zealand Fund) supports whnau, hap and iwi to initiate, promote and deliver activities and events that commemorate the New Zealand Land Wars. The fund seeks to increase awareness among all people of Aotearoa about our local history, significant land marks and people including strengthening relationships and partnerships. It is also about building nationhood and pride among all citizens, increasing mtauranga and value for local history and increasing bi-lingual resources. Visit Te Ptake o re Riri (Wars and Conflict in New Zealand Fund) for more information.
Te P Harakeke supports Mori to host community projects and events. The fund is split into three specific purposes:
- Mra Kai: funding for Mori organisations that want to set up community garden projects and learn about sustainable food growing.Matariki celebrations: funding for Mori to participate in or host celebrations or education initiatives related to Matariki.Sponsorship: funding for events that contribute to Mori development.
Visit Te P Harakeke for more information.
Te Mngai Pho
Te Mngai Pho was established to provide funding to the national network of Mori radio stations and for the production and broadcast of Mori language television programmes, radio programmes and music recordings. Find out more by visiting Te Mngai Pho .
Te Tahua Taiao Ng Taonga
Te Tahua Taiao Ng Taonga (Lottery Environment and Heritage grants) funds grants for projects that 'promote, protect and conserve New Zealand's natural, physical and cultural heritage'. This can include funding for whare taonga and wahi tapu sites. There are two different kinds of grants, for either small or large projects. Find out more about Te Tahua Taiao Ng Taonga, including past recipients .
Te Papa Atawhai
Te Papa Atawhai (The Department of Conservation) has two funds to support Mori organisations. The Ng Whenua Rahui Fund supports the protection of indigenous biodiversity on Mori-owned land. It is geared towards the owners retaining rangatiratanga (ownership and control) and reaffirming the bond between tangata whenua and the land. Mori land authorities such as trusts and incorporations, and organisations that represent whnau, hap or iwi can apply.
The Mtauranga Kura Taiao Fund supports whnau, hap and iwi to revive, retain and promote traditional Mori knowledge and its practical use in the management of indigenous biodiversity. Organisations that represent whnau, hap or iwi with legal status (e.g. charitable trust, incorporated society, Ahu Whenua trust, Mori reservation trust) are eligible to apply.
Te Muka Rau
Te Muka Rau is a small philanthropic trust that aims to contribute to "a socially cohesive Aotearoa New Zealand where Te Ao Mori is strong and vibrant, where the central place of Te Ao Mori in Aotearoa is supported by all, and where we feel comfortable and respected in our own cultures and heritage." Te Muka Rau provides funding to initiatives that align with their key goals outlined above. Visit Te Muka Rau's website .
Manat Taonga
Manat Taonga (the Ministry of Culture and Heritage) administers Te Tahua Whakakaha, Cultural Sector Capability Fund. The fund supports the cultural sector to adapt and respond to Aotearoa's post-COVID-19 environment. The fund will prioritise applications that show how they will benefit Mori. Organisations and community groups that support Mori arts, culture and heritage are encouragred to apply. This includes iwi, hap and marae organisations. Find out more on the Manat Taonga website.
Wellington Community Trust
The Wellington Community Trust is an independent funder that distributes grants across the Wellington region. He Rau Aroha is the Trust's commitment to support Mori led initiatives. It is specifically focussed on supporting groups that serve Mana Whenua, Taura Here, and other Mori groups. Please note that this support is only available for those groups in the Wellington region. Find out more by visiting the Wellington Community Trust website .
Mtauranga Mori Marae Ora
The Mtauranga Mori Marae Ora fund is available to support marae communities with projects that protect and revitalise mtauranga and taonga on marae. It aims to help marae protect their mtauranga and taonga from the impact and ongoing threat of COVID-19, and support the cultural revitalisation of marae as centres of Mori identity and mtauranga. There is $5.7 million available over the course of two years. Find out more about Mtauranga Mori Marae Ora including how and when to apply here.
If you have a fund or charity that supports Mori charities, let us know by emailing info@charities.govt.nz and we can add it to this list.