Deadline: 30-Mar-2026
The Foundation’s Media Travel Grants provide New Zealand-based journalists with funding to travel independently to Asia for reporting, aiming to enhance New Zealanders’ understanding of economic, political, social, and strategic developments in Asia. Grants cover travel-related expenses for up to three weeks, supporting journalists in producing well-researched stories for broad audiences.
About the Grants
The grants are designed to help journalists demystify Asia for New Zealand audiences by enabling independent research and reporting. They are administered by the Asia Media Centre and focus on projects that provide insightful, context-rich coverage of developments in Asia and their implications for New Zealand.
Key Focus Areas
Proposals should:
- Highlight economic, political, social, or strategic changes in Asia
- Demonstrate relevance and implications for New Zealand
- Be well-researched, focused, and aimed at reaching a substantial audience
Funding Details
- Eligible expenses: Return economy airfares, insurance, accommodation, visa costs, and airport taxes
- Duration of travel: Up to three weeks
- Coverage: Funding may not cover all project costs
- Responsibility: Recipients must organize their own travel and visas
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be journalists employed by New Zealand news organisations or freelancers based in New Zealand
- Be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents
- Demonstrate a proven journalism track record and strong interest in Asia
- Submit a well-researched proposal showing likely impact and audience reach
Additional requirements:
- Employed journalists must provide a letter of support from their employer
- Freelancers must submit confirmation from media outlets willing to publish or broadcast their work
Why This Opportunity Matters
The grants support journalists in producing in-depth reporting on Asia, helping New Zealand audiences understand complex regional dynamics. This strengthens public knowledge, media coverage, and informed discourse on issues that influence New Zealand’s economy, politics, and society.
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility – Ensure you are a New Zealand-based journalist or freelancer and meet citizenship/residency requirements.
- Develop a focused proposal – Outline research objectives, story focus, and audience impact.
- Include supporting documents – Letter of support from employer or confirmation from publishing outlets.
- Plan travel logistics – Identify locations, travel arrangements, and duration (up to three weeks).
- Submit application – Ensure all documentation and budget details are complete.
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Journalists employed by New Zealand news organisations or freelance journalists based in New Zealand who are citizens or permanent residents.
2. What expenses are covered?
Return economy airfare, insurance, accommodation, visa costs, and airport taxes. Funding may not cover all expenses.
3. How long can travel last?
Up to three weeks.
4. Do freelancers need media confirmation?
Yes. Freelancers must provide proof of outlet commitment to publish or broadcast their work.
5. Do employed journalists need approval?
Yes. They must submit a letter of support from their employer.
6. What is the purpose of the grant?
To enable journalists to produce independent, well-researched reporting on Asia, enhancing New Zealanders’ understanding of the region.
7. Can I get full funding for my trip?
Funding may not cover all project costs, so journalists should plan accordingly.
Final Takeaway
The Foundation Media Travel Grants empower New Zealand-based journalists to report independently from Asia, providing insights into regional developments and their impact on New Zealand. With support for travel-related costs and a focused project plan, journalists can produce impactful stories that inform and engage broad audiences.
For more information, visit Asia New Zealand Foundation.