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Open Call: Te Mātāwai Investment Programme (New Zealand)

Deadline: 31-Jan-2026

The Te Mātāwai Investment Programme supports Māori language revitalisation across whānau, hapori, and iwi. It funds projects that strengthen te reo Māori use and cultural connection, with a structured application and assessment process through the Te Mātāpuna portal. Applicants may include individuals, organisations, businesses, charities, and trusts, with funding decisions guided by the eight Kāhui and Pae Motuhake recommendations.

Te Mātāwai aims to revitalise te reo Māori by investing in projects that enhance language use across generations and strengthen Māori-speaking communities. The programme ensures that investments are purposeful, measurable, and aligned with the priorities of iwi, hapori, and whānau.

Key Objectives

  • Support projects directly contributing to te reo Māori revitalisation.

  • Empower Māori communities to maintain and grow language use.

  • Align funding with the priorities identified by the eight Kāhui and Pae Motuhake.

  • Ensure projects have clear purpose, resources, and defined timeframes.

Who Can Apply?

Eligible applicants include:

  • Individuals, businesses, organisations, charities, and trusts registered with the New Zealand Companies Office or Charities Services.

  • Applicants requesting $60,000 or more must have GST registration.

  • Projects must demonstrate alignment with Te Mātāwai priorities and, where relevant, support Rainbow, Takatāpui, and MVPFAFF+ community inclusion.

Ineligible applicants:

  • Unregistered entities or projects not aligned with Māori language revitalisation priorities.

Why It Matters

The programme strengthens Māori language use and cultural identity by:

  • Supporting sustainable language initiatives across whānau, hapori, and iwi.

  • Building community capacity and long-term engagement with te reo Māori.

  • Ensuring projects are accountable, well-planned, and impactful.

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Register: Complete registration in Te Mātāpuna to verify applicant details.

  2. Prepare Project Proposal: Include clear objectives, activities, timeline, and resource requirements.

  3. Submit Application: Use the Te Mātāpuna portal. Ensure the project aligns with Kāhui Investment Plans.

  4. Assessment: Pae Motuhake reviews applications based on alignment with priorities, community impact, and readiness for implementation.

  5. Notification: Successful applicants receive a formal letter of offer and a funding agreement.

  6. Agreement and Implementation: Agreements include key milestones, deliverables, timelines, and accountability measures. Projects begin from 1 July 2026.

Key Dates for 2026 Round

  • Registrations Open: 31 January 2026

  • Application Submission: 1–28 February 2026

  • Assessment Period: March–May 2026

  • Notification of Results: May–June 2026

  • Agreements Signed: June 2026

  • Project Commencement: From 1 July 2026

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting an application without completing registration.

  • Failing to align the project with Te Mātāwai priorities or Kāhui Investment Plans.

  • Requesting funding above $60,000 without GST registration.

  • Providing incomplete project plans or unclear resource allocation.

  • Ignoring required timelines for registration, submission, and project commencement.

FAQ

  1. Can individuals apply? Yes, provided they are registered with the Companies Office or Charities Services.

  2. Are businesses eligible? Yes, eligible businesses registered in New Zealand can apply.

  3. Is GST registration required? Only for funding requests of $60,000 or more.

  4. When do projects begin? Projects funded in 2026 start from 1 July 2026.

  5. Who assesses applications? Pae Motuhake, guided by the eight Kāhui Investment Plans.

  6. How are successful applicants notified? Through Te Mātāpuna with a formal letter of offer and agreement.

  7. What must agreements include? Key milestones, deliverables, timelines, and investment purpose.

Conclusion

The Te Mātāwai Investment Programme provides structured support for Māori language revitalisation, empowering whānau, hapori, and iwi to strengthen te reo Māori across generations. By following the registration, application, and assessment processes, applicants can secure funding that ensures accountability, impact, and sustainable language growth within their communities.

For more information, visit Te Mātāwai.