Oranga Marae Grants to Support Cultural, Social, and Physical Wellbeing in New Zealand

Deadline: 05-Feb-2026

Oranga Marae invites applications to support cultural, social, and physical development of marae and hapori Māori. Funding is available through two pathways—Te Ahi Kaa for marae infrastructure and building projects, and Te Kete Mātauranga for intergenerational transmission of mātauranga Māori. Grants support both traditional and urban marae, fostering Māori self-determination, resilience, and knowledge-sharing.

Overview

The Oranga Marae program aims to empower Māori communities by funding initiatives that strengthen marae structures, enhance hapori capacity, and promote the intergenerational transmission of mātauranga Māori. It supports cultural, social, and physical development while fostering independence, self-governance, and Māori-led innovation.

Key Focus Areas

• Uplifting Māori growth and aspirations

• Increasing prominence of Ranginui, Papatūānuku, and governing Atua in decision-making

• Promoting Māori-led digital innovation and initiatives

• Supporting all aspects of marae building: infrastructure, traditional knowledge, and modern practices

• Strengthening hapori Māori capacity for community resilience and emergency response

• Preparing for collective responses to natural disasters and emergencies

• Sharing taonga tuku iho, kōrero tuku iho, mātauranga, skills, stories, and traditions across generations

• Supporting marae-based initiatives for intergenerational transmission of mātauranga Māori

Funding Pathways

Te Ahi Kaa

Te Ahi Kaa focuses on marae infrastructure, building, and physical development. It has three main components:

1. Te Paepae – For planning and preparatory work, including creating a Mahere Marae, obtaining condition reports, concept design drawings, and quantity surveyor reports.

   • Maximum contribution: $75,000

2. Pakihi Marae – For essential repairs to marae buildings and infrastructure.

   • Maximum contribution: $300,000 per project

3. Te Whare Marae – For full implementation and completion of main marae building projects. Supports detailed design drawings, resource and building consents, compliance, tender processes, contract documents, project oversight, and completion. Collaborative funding must be secured before submission.

Te Kete Mātauranga

Te Kete Mātauranga funds marae-based initiatives that foster the intergenerational transmission of mātauranga Māori. Eligible activities include:

• Wānanga on specific aspects of hapū mātauranga

• Sustainable platforms for sharing mātauranga with hapū members

• Development led by mātauranga Māori practitioners

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications must be for a traditional or urban marae located on land designated for marae purposes

• Projects must align with the focus areas above, supporting Māori-led initiatives and hapori development

• Applicants must demonstrate capacity to manage the proposed funding pathway effectively

How to Apply

1. Identify the appropriate funding pathway (Te Ahi Kaa or Te Kete Mātauranga)

2. Prepare documentation based on the pathway:

   • Te Paepae: Condition reports, concept design, quantity surveyor reports

   • Pakihi Marae: Scope of essential repairs and budget

   • Te Whare Marae: Detailed design drawings, consents, compliance documentation

   • Te Kete Mātauranga: Programme plan for wānanga or knowledge-sharing initiatives

3. Ensure collaborative funding (if required) is secured before submission

4. Submit application through the official Oranga Marae portal by the stated deadline

Common Mistakes & Tips

• Submitting applications for ineligible marae or land

• Ignoring collaborative funding requirements for Te Whare Marae

• Omitting detailed plans or reports required for Te Paepae or Pakihi Marae

• Failing to clearly demonstrate intergenerational impact for Te Kete Mātauranga

• Not aligning proposed activities with hapori Māori priorities and self-determination goals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply? Traditional or urban marae on land set aside for marae purposes.

2. What funding pathways are available? Te Ahi Kaa (infrastructure/building) and Te Kete Mātauranga (knowledge transmission).

3. What is the maximum grant amount? Up to $75,000 for Te Paepae, $300,000 for Pakihi Marae, and amounts for Te Whare Marae vary based on project scope.

4. Can collaborative funding be required? Yes, especially for Te Whare Marae projects.

5. Are urban marae eligible? Yes, if located on designated marae land.

6. What type of activities does Te Kete Mātauranga fund? Wānanga, sustainable knowledge-sharing platforms, and mātauranga Māori practitioner-led initiatives.

7. Is prior planning required for Te Paepae or Pakihi Marae? Yes, detailed condition reports and design documents are mandatory.

Conclusion

The Oranga Marae grant program strengthens marae and hapori Māori by supporting infrastructure, cultural knowledge, and intergenerational learning. Through funding pathways Te Ahi Kaa and Te Kete Mātauranga, the program empowers Māori communities to grow self-governance, resilience, and cultural continuity, ensuring marae remain central to social, cultural, and emergency preparedness initiatives.

For more information, visit New Zealand Government.