Māhutonga Launches “Ka Kā te Rama” Initiative Funds
Māhutonga Launches “Ka Kā te Rama” Initiative Funds — Now Open Until 15 October 2025
Māhutonga is calling on changemakers, innovators, rangatahi, and whānau leaders across the motu: the Ka Kā te Rama – Initiative Funds are officially open! This is your chance to fuel bold ideas, strengthen cultural pride, and prepare communities for a stronger future.
“Ka Kā te Rama is more than funding—it’s a catalyst for whānau-led change. We’re excited to shine a light on community-first solutions rooted in culture, resilience, and leadership,” says Jennie Smeaton, Pou Whakahaere for Māhutonga.
Four Pathways to Whānau-Led Change
The Initiative Funds are designed to support whānau, hapū, iwi, and community-led kaupapa that make a difference. This year’s funding streams include:
🔥 Innovation — Fresh solutions, local tools, and mātauranga Māori approaches that push boundaries and uplift wellbeing.
🌱 Rangatahi — Investing in our youth (12–24) so they can dream big, step up as leaders, and thrive in their futures.
🌿 Cultural Resilience — Strengthening identity, whakapapa, and intergenerational knowledge to keep our taonga alive and strong.
⚡ Emergency Preparedness — Building resilience and readiness for natural disasters and emergencies, led by the community, for the community.
Who Can Apply
This funding round is open to community-led initiatives based in Region 2, covering Te Ūpoko o Te Ika, Heretaunga, Tairāwhiti, Whanganui-Manawatū, Taranaki, and Waiariki. Applicants must live in—and deliver their initiatives within—these regions and demonstrate meaningful involvement of whānau and community in shaping the project. All proposals must align with at least one of the Whānau Ora Outcomes:
Whānau are self-managing
Whānau are living healthy lifestyles
Whānau are participating fully in society
Whānau are confidently participating in Te Ao Māori
Whānau are economically secure and successfully involved in wealth creation
Whānau are cohesive, resilient, and nurturing
Whānau are responsible stewards of their living and natural environment
Application Details
Applications must be submitted online via the Māhutonga funding portal. Prospective applicants should sign up, register their organisation, and complete their application using the provided guides and resources. Comprehensive FAQs and support are available to assist with the process.
Applications are open now until Wednesday, 15 October 2025.