Cultural Initiatives Fund – Papakāinga on Marae and Māori Housing Grant (New Zealand)

Deadline: 27-Feb-2026

The Auckland Council Cultural Initiatives Fund supports Māori landowners, mana whenua, and marae trusts in developing papakāinga on Marae and Māori housing on Māori Freehold or Treaty Settlement Land. Grants up to $170,000 per year are available to fund planning, feasibility, and design activities that strengthen governance, enable housing development, and promote intergenerational equity in Māori communities.

Overview

The Cultural Initiatives Fund is designed to support iwi, hapū, whānau, and marae to develop housing initiatives that reflect Māori values, strengthen ancestral connections, and enhance community capacity. The program focuses on papakāinga on Marae and Māori housing development on eligible land under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 or Treaty Settlement Land.

Funding emphasizes:

• Governance and asset management planning

• Master planning, concept, and detailed design

• Feasibility studies

• Resource and building consent readiness

• Development contributions on eligible Māori land

Note: Capital works or development contributions on general title land are not eligible.

Who is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

• Be represented by a trust, authority, or formally recognized body, or be gazetted/set apart as a Māori Reservation

• Have governance and management structures, policies, and processes aligned with tikanga Māori

• Operate on a not-for-profit basis

Eligible Land:

• Papakāinga on Marae: Māori land under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, general title urban marae land, or approved public land leases

• Māori housing: Māori Freehold Land, general land ceased to be Māori land under the Māori Affairs Amendment Act 1967, Treaty Settlement Land held in not-for-profit trusts or protected mechanisms for enduring use

Ineligible Applicants:

• Individuals or informal groups without legal structures

• For-profit entities

• Institutional marae linked to schools, universities, or churches

• Land with fewer than three dwellings under the Auckland Unitary Plan

Why It Matters

This program strengthens Māori communities by:

• Enabling mana whenua to re-establish ancestral connections

• Supporting Māori landowners in overcoming barriers to housing development

• Making marae self-sustaining through housing opportunities

• Promoting communal ownership and intergenerational equity

• Delivering housing aligned with Māori cultural values

How to Apply / How It Works

1. Complete the official application form via Auckland Council’s portal

2. Applications are reviewed by the Māori Outcomes Steering Committee, including representatives from Auckland Council, Houkura, and Watercare

3. Recommendations are presented to the Policy and Planning Committee, which allocates funds and sets grant conditions

4. A second funding round may be conducted if funds remain available

5. Deadline: 27 February 2026

Common Tips and Considerations

• Ensure the application demonstrates the viability of the proposed development

• Highlight governance structures and capability for project completion

• Provide clear evidence of community engagement and partnerships

• Attach supporting documents (plans, feasibility studies, governance details) for clarity

FAQ

1. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to $170,000 per year per eligible applicant.

2. Can the grant be used for capital works?
No, funding is limited to planning, feasibility, and associated preparatory costs. Capital works are not covered.

3. Are individuals eligible to apply?
No, applicants must be legally recognized entities or formal Māori organizations.

4. Can general title land be used for this funding?
Yes, only if it supports papakāinga on urban marae or housing projects with at least three dwellings. Capital works on general title land are excluded.

5. Is prior experience required?
Applicants should demonstrate a track record in housing or community development, either independently or in partnership with a community housing provider.

6. How are applications assessed?
Applications are reviewed for governance, feasibility, alignment with tikanga Māori, development viability, and community benefit.

7. Can I reapply if unsuccessful?
Yes, applicants can submit a new application in the next round or during the second funding round if available.

Conclusion

The Auckland Council Cultural Initiatives Fund 2026 provides a critical opportunity for Māori landowners, mana whenua, and marae trusts to plan and prepare papakāinga and housing projects. By investing in planning, governance, and feasibility, the program empowers communities to create sustainable, culturally aligned housing solutions that strengthen intergenerational equity and communal well-being.

For more information, visit Auckland Council.