Initiative Funds

Applications now CLOSED.  

Ka Kā Te Rama - Initiative Funds

  • Innovation

    This fund supports new and innovative kaupapa Māori approaches that strengthen whānau wellbeing, enabling whānau, hapū and Iwi, and communities to test or scale-up ideas such as new practices, local tools, or mātauranga Māori-based solutions. 

  • Rangatahi

    This fund invests in initiatives for rangatahi aged 12–24 that build confidence, skills, leadership, and wellbeing, creating space for them to learn, lead, and thrive within their whānau, hapori, and futures.

  • Cultural Resilience

    This fund supports initiatives that reconnect whānau with culture, identity, and whakapapa. Priority will be given to whole-of-hapū, Iwi, and regional initiatives that clearly demonstrate a commitment to strengthening cultural transmission across generations.

  • Emergency Preparedness

    This fund helps whānau, hapū, iwi and communities get ready for natural disasters and civil emergencies. Priority will be given to whole-of-regional approaches that improve preparedness, strengthen resilience, and responsiveness. 

Before you apply

  • Read through the application guideline documents

    Download and read the application guides below. The guidelines will help you through the application process, including what you will need (i.e. supporting documents, due diligence information etc) to complete your application. Please note all applications must be completed online via the portal, not via the example pdf document.

  • Sign Up

    Our funding portal requires you to create a Login, once this has been done you will be able to log in at any time to complete your application, check on your application status and communicate with our support team. You will be able to invite others from your organisation to create their own login but remain connected to the same account. There are tutorials within the system to support you through this.

  • Register your business

    Before proceeding with your application you will need to complete the registration form within the funding portal (this happens after Sign up), this is where you will register details about your organisation. Once this has been completed once you won’t need to register again for future funding rounds.

  • Check out the FAQs below

    Below are some frequently asked questions which will help provide some guidance. If you have any further questions then our team are here to help. You can call us on 0800 400 150 or email mahutonga@ngatitoa.iwi.nz

Application Information
Application guide
Example Application

FAQs

  • To be eligible for funding;

    • Applicants must reside, and the initiative applied for must be delivered, in region 2. 

    • Applications must demonstrate clear demand from whānau and the community, and show that they are involved in the design, leadership, and delivery of the initiative. 

    • Your initiative must demonstrate a clear alignment with the Whānau Ora Outcomes Framework. 

    • Applications are encouraged from organisations that are based in Aotearoa.  

    • To avoid any conflict of interest, Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira kaimahi, Māhutonga kaimahi, board members, and their close whānau cannot apply for Ka Kā te Rama funding. 

  • Applications open 4 PM Wednesday, 10 September and close 4 PM Wednesday, 15 October 2025.

  • We will use a weighted scoring system to assess your application, with more points given to areas that are most important for this funding round. Each section of your application will be scored using a clear set of criteria to ensure a fair and consistent assessment process. 

    You can read the full assessment guide in the application guide document

  • We are seeking initiatives that demonstrate a clear alignment with the Whānau Ora Outcomes Framework. The seven Whānau Ora Outcomes are: 

    1. Whānau are self-managing 

    2. Whānau are living healthy lifestyles 

    3. Whānau are participating fully in society 

    4. Whānau are confidently participating in Te Ao Māori 

    5. Whānau are economically secure and successfully involved in wealth creation 

    6. Whānau are cohesive, resilient and nurturing 

    7. Whānau are responsible stewards of their living and natural environment 

  • Yes. These will be communicated to successful applicants, but more information can be found in the Application Guide document

  • Funding cannot be used for: 

    • Retrospective events and activities 

    • Consultant costs 

    • Back-office functions  

    • International travel and accommodation 

    • Medical bills and legal costs 

    • Payment of existing debts 

    • Items of a capital nature including buildings and vehicles 

    • Events that have a political component or purpose 

    • Alcohol, tobacco, vape products, medical marijuana, any legal or harmful substances, gambling tokens and lottery tickets.