RFAs: Research Initiative – An Inspiring Path Capability Fund 2027 (New Zealand)

The Research Initiative – An Inspiring Path Capability Fund 2027 (Rangapū Rangahau Funding Scheme) provides up to NZD 350,000 over two years to establish new research partnerships between Māori-facing Organisations and Research Organisations in New Zealand. The programme aims to strengthen research capability, science and innovation networks, and projects aligned with the Vision Mātauranga policy while delivering economic and environmental benefits.

About the Research Initiative – An Inspiring Path Capability Fund 2027

The Research Initiative – An Inspiring Path Capability Fund 2027 supports collaborative research that creates meaningful, long-term partnerships between Māori-facing organisations and New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology sector.

The programme, known as the Rangapū Rangahau Funding Scheme, is designed to strengthen research capability, encourage knowledge sharing, and build sustainable partnerships that contribute to New Zealand’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Rather than extending existing government-funded research, the initiative focuses on developing new collaborative relationships that generate long-term scientific, economic, and environmental benefits.

Funding Information

Successful projects can receive the following support:

Total Funding Available: Up to NZD 6.5 million
Maximum Grant per Project: NZD 350,000
Project Duration: 2 years
Co-funding Requirement: Not required

Funding is intended to support collaborative research projects that strengthen capability and establish new partnerships.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

Build long-term research capability.
Establish new partnerships between Research Organisations and Māori-facing Organisations.
Strengthen New Zealand’s science, innovation, and technology ecosystem.
Support collaborative research aligned with national priorities.
Promote economic growth through research and innovation.
Encourage environmental outcomes that provide measurable economic benefits.
Advance projects aligned with the Vision Mātauranga policy.

Priority Focus Areas

Projects should contribute to one or more of the following areas:

Research capability development
Science, innovation, and technology research
Economic development
Environmental outcomes with clear economic benefits
Collaboration between Research Organisations and Māori-facing Organisations
Long-term research partnerships
Science Investment Plan priorities
Vision Mātauranga policy objectives

Vision Mātauranga Policy Themes

Applications must address one or more eligible Vision Mātauranga themes, including:

Environment
Indigenous Innovation
Education

At least 50% of the eligible ANZSRC Field of Research codes included in the proposal must support one or more of these approved policy themes.

Who is Eligible?

Applications must be submitted by a New Zealand-based single legal entity that is either:

A Māori-facing Organisation, or
A Research Organisation.

Every application must:

Include at least one Māori-facing Organisation.
Include at least one Research Organisation.
Be jointly developed by all participating organisations.
Identify one organisation as the lead applicant.
Identify the other organisation as the project partner.
Include a signed co-development letter.
Demonstrate that the Māori-facing Organisation meets the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible Organisations

Eligible applicants include organisations that can demonstrate genuine collaboration between Māori communities and the research sector while supporting the programme’s objectives.

Projects should establish new partnerships, not simply continue existing collaborations funded through other government programmes.

Eligible Activities

Funding may be used for:

Collaborative research project development
Research delivery
Operational project costs
Research-related travel
Partnership development
Capability building in science and innovation
Networking and collaboration activities

All funded activities must directly support the approved work programme.

Ineligible Activities

The programme does not support:

Business development projects
Commercial product development
General education programmes
Training initiatives
Existing government-funded research
Ongoing research programmes without new partnerships
Capital expenditure
Activities eligible for Ministry of Education funding

Projects should clearly demonstrate that they establish new collaborative research capability.

Student Participation Rules

The programme has specific rules regarding student involvement.

Eligible

Part-time tertiary students working as part-time research staff.

Not Eligible

Full-time tertiary students.
School students participating in funded activities.

Funding Conditions

Applicants should note the following funding conditions:

No co-funding is required.
Capital expenditure is not eligible.
Funding supports only approved project activities.
The majority of research activities should be conducted in New Zealand.
Overseas research activities must provide a clear benefit to New Zealand and require strong justification.

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

Jointly developed research proposal
Signed co-development letter
Evidence of eligibility for both organisations
Project work programme
Research objectives
Budget
Timeline
Administrative information required through the MBIE Pītau Investment Management System

Applicants must also be in good standing with previous MBIE science funding contracts, where applicable.

How to Apply

Step 1: Identify an Eligible Partner

Form a new partnership between:

A Māori-facing Organisation, and
A Research Organisation.

Both organisations must jointly design the project.

Step 2: Develop the Research Proposal

Prepare a collaborative work programme that includes:

Research objectives
Expected outcomes
Partnership model
Capability-building activities
Economic and environmental benefits
Timeline
Budget

Ensure the proposal aligns with the Science Investment Plan.

Step 3: Demonstrate Vision Mātauranga Alignment

Clearly explain how the project supports one or more eligible Vision Mātauranga themes:

Environment
Indigenous Innovation
Education

Ensure that at least half of the eligible ANZSRC Field of Research codes support these themes.

Step 4: Prepare Supporting Documents

Gather all required documentation, including:

Signed co-development letter
Organisational eligibility evidence
Budget
Work programme
Administrative information

Step 5: Complete the Online Application

Submit the application through the MBIE Pītau Investment Management System and ensure all administrative requirements are completed.

Why This Programme Matters

Strong collaboration between Māori communities and research organisations helps create research that reflects Indigenous knowledge while delivering practical economic and environmental benefits.

The programme contributes to:

Stronger Māori research capability
Increased research collaboration
Greater innovation capacity
Sustainable environmental solutions
Economic growth
Knowledge sharing
Long-term partnerships
Stronger national research networks

Tips for a Strong Application

Applicants can improve their chances of success by:

Building genuinely new research partnerships.
Demonstrating equal collaboration between partner organisations.
Clearly aligning the proposal with Vision Mātauranga themes.
Explaining measurable economic and environmental benefits.
Showing how the project strengthens long-term research capability.
Preparing a realistic budget and work plan.
Ensuring all required documents are submitted.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common application errors:

Extending existing government-funded research instead of creating new partnerships.
Applying without an eligible Māori-facing Organisation or Research Organisation.
Failing to include a signed co-development letter.
Proposing business development or commercial activities.
Including capital expenditure in the budget.
Failing to demonstrate alignment with Vision Mātauranga policy themes.
Including activities primarily funded through the Ministry of Education.
Planning most research activities outside New Zealand without sufficient justification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the Research Initiative – An Inspiring Path Capability Fund 2027?

It is a New Zealand funding programme that supports new collaborative research partnerships between Māori-facing Organisations and Research Organisations to strengthen science, innovation, and research capability.

2. How much funding is available?

A total of up to NZD 6.5 million is available, with each successful project eligible to receive up to NZD 350,000 over two years.

3. Who can apply?

Applications must be submitted by a New Zealand-based Māori-facing Organisation or Research Organisation working in partnership with an eligible organisation.

4. Is co-funding required?

No. Applicants are not required to provide matching or co-funding.

5. What types of projects are supported?

The programme supports collaborative research projects that build research capability, establish new partnerships, and align with eligible Vision Mātauranga policy themes.

6. Can full-time students participate in funded projects?

No. Full-time tertiary students and school students cannot participate. However, part-time tertiary students may contribute as part-time research staff.

7. What activities are not eligible for funding?

The programme does not support business development, commercial product development, education or training programmes, capital expenditure, projects already receiving government funding, or activities primarily funded through the Ministry of Education.

Conclusion

The Research Initiative – An Inspiring Path Capability Fund 2027 provides a significant opportunity to strengthen research capability and foster meaningful partnerships between Māori-facing Organisations and Research Organisations in New Zealand. With up to NZD 350,000 available per project over two years, the programme supports innovative, collaborative research that aligns with the Vision Mātauranga policy and delivers lasting economic, environmental, and scientific benefits. Organisations that establish genuine partnerships, demonstrate strong alignment with programme priorities, and submit well-developed proposals will be well positioned for funding consideration.