Deadline: 02-Aug-2026
The Reorua Contestable Fund supports individuals and organisations in the Whakatāne District to deliver events, projects, and activities that promote and strengthen the use of te reo Māori. The fund provides financial assistance for community-led initiatives that celebrate Māori language, support cultural identity, and increase language use across local communities.
Reorua Contestable Fund: Overview
The Reorua Contestable Fund is an initiative led by:
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa
- Whakatāne District Council
The fund supports projects that encourage the growth, visibility, and everyday use of te reo Māori throughout the Whakatāne District.
The initiative recognizes the importance of Māori language as a foundation of cultural identity and community connection. It aims to support activities that strengthen language learning, participation, and celebration.
Purpose of the Fund
The Reorua Contestable Fund aims to:
- Promote and celebrate te reo Māori
- Increase opportunities for people to use Māori language
- Support community-led cultural activities
- Strengthen Māori identity and heritage
- Encourage inclusive participation in language revitalisation
- Support the continued development of Reorua townships
The fund reflects Whakatāne District’s commitment to growing te reo Māori use across the region.
Background: Reorua Townships
The fund supports the recognition of:
- Whakatāne
- Murupara
as Reorua townships.
Reorua means bilingual, reflecting the commitment to creating communities where both Māori and English languages are valued and used.
The fund helps communities develop activities that strengthen Māori language presence in everyday life.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The fund supports events, projects, and activities that encourage the use of te reo Māori.
Examples may include:
Language Promotion Activities
Projects that:
- Encourage people to speak te reo Māori
- Create opportunities for language practice
- Increase awareness of Māori language
Community Events
Supported activities may include:
- Cultural celebrations
- Community gatherings
- Language-focused events
- Educational activities
Māori Language and Cultural Projects
Projects may support:
- Te reo Māori learning initiatives
- Community language programmes
- Cultural engagement activities
- Projects that strengthen local identity
Who Is Eligible?
Applications are open to:
- Individuals active in the Whakatāne District
- Organisations operating within the Whakatāne District
Eligible applicants should demonstrate:
- A clear connection to the local community
- A genuine need for funding
- Benefits for residents of the district
- A clear plan for using the funds
Applicants may also have the opportunity to present their proposal to the Community Funding Committee as part of the assessment process.
Funding Amount
Applicants are encouraged to request:
- Less than NZD 5,000
However:
- Higher funding requests may be considered on an individual basis
Applicants must provide:
- A detailed project budget
- Explanation of how funds will be used
- Clear expected outcomes
Priority Areas
Preference is given to projects that:
Demonstrate Community Need
Projects should show:
- Local demand
- Community involvement
- Support from residents or groups
Benefit Whakatāne District Communities
Activities should directly support:
- Local residents
- Community wellbeing
- Māori language growth within the district
Support Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups
Priority may be given to projects that:
- Include underserved communities
- Increase access and participation opportunities
- Support inclusive engagement
How to Apply
Applicants should follow these steps:
Step 1: Develop a Project Plan
Applicants should explain:
- What the project will achieve
- How it promotes te reo Māori
- Who will benefit
- How activities will be delivered
Step 2: Prepare a Budget
The application should include:
- Total project costs
- Requested funding amount
- Breakdown of expenses
Step 3: Demonstrate Community Benefit
Applicants should explain:
- Community need
- Expected outcomes
- Local support or partnerships
Step 4: Submit the Application
Applications should be submitted according to the fund guidelines. Applicants may also choose to present their project to the Community Funding Committee.
Eligible Costs
Funding may support activities directly connected to approved projects.
Applicants should clearly explain how funding will contribute to:
- Project delivery
- Community participation
- Māori language promotion
- Cultural outcomes
Activities Not Supported
The fund does not support:
Employment and Operational Costs
Funding is generally not available for:
- Staff salaries for non-profit organisations
Ineligible Projects
The fund does not support:
- Projects that do not directly benefit the Whakatāne District
- Completed projects
- Activities better suited to other funding programmes
Commercial and Private Activities
Funding is generally unavailable for:
- Commercial organisations
- Private benefit activities
Other Excluded Activities
The fund does not support:
- Religious activities
- Political activities
- Duplicate programmes
- Legal expenses
- Medical expenses
- Debt repayment
- Statutory public services
- Alcohol or tobacco-related activities
- Physical works without required permits
Common Application Tips
Clearly Link Your Project to Te Reo Māori
Strong applications should explain:
- How the project increases language use
- How participants will engage with te reo Māori
Show Community Support
Include evidence of:
- Community interest
- Partnerships
- Local participation
Provide a Realistic Budget
Ensure:
- Costs are clearly explained
- Funding requested matches project needs
- Expenses directly support project outcomes
Explain Long-Term Benefits
Applications are stronger when they show:
- Continued community impact
- Sustainable language outcomes
- Ongoing participation opportunities
Why the Reorua Contestable Fund Matters
Te reo Māori is an important part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s cultural identity. Community-led initiatives play a key role in keeping the language active and accessible.
The Reorua Contestable Fund helps:
- Increase Māori language visibility
- Strengthen cultural connections
- Support community participation
- Encourage bilingual communities
- Preserve and grow Māori language for future generations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the Reorua Contestable Fund?
The Reorua Contestable Fund provides financial support for projects that promote and strengthen the use of te reo Māori in the Whakatāne District.
2. Who can apply for the fund?
Individuals and organisations active in the Whakatāne District can apply.
3. How much funding can applicants request?
Applicants are encouraged to request less than NZD 5,000, although higher requests may be considered.
4. What types of projects are eligible?
Projects must encourage the use of te reo Māori and provide benefits to communities in the Whakatāne District.
5. Can completed projects receive funding?
No. Projects that have already been completed are not eligible.
6. Are commercial organisations eligible?
Generally, commercial or private organisations are not eligible unless they meet the fund’s requirements and demonstrate public benefit.
7. What information must applicants provide?
Applicants must provide a project description, funding purpose, budget, and explanation of community benefit.
Conclusion
The Reorua Contestable Fund provides valuable support for community-driven initiatives that promote te reo Māori across the Whakatāne District. By funding language, cultural, and community activities, the initiative helps strengthen Māori identity, encourage bilingual communities, and ensure the continued growth of te reo Māori in Aotearoa New Zealand.
For more information, visit Whakatāne District Council.