Te Puni Kokiri
Detailed applicationTe Puni Kokiri (Ministry of Maori Development) offers a range of funds to advance Maori interests. Includes Whanau Ora, Maara Kai (community gardens), Maori housing, and various kaupapa Maori initiatives. Regional offices in Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill provide local support. Funds focus on skills, learning, education, and Maori economic enterprise. Multiple fund streams with different criteria and timeframes.
Grant Range
Varies by fund stream. Maara Kai grants from $1,000. Larger economic development and housing funds can be $50,000+. Contact Nelson regional office for current opportunities.
What they fund
Who can apply
What they care about
Advancing Maori interests and tino rangatiratanga. Whanau Ora and whanau-centred approaches. Maori economic enterprise and development. Skills, learning and education for Maori. Supporting sustainable community food production (Maara Kai). Maori housing initiatives.
Writing tips
Use te reo Maori where appropriate. Frame outcomes in terms of whanau, hapu, and iwi wellbeing. Demonstrate whanau-centred approaches. Engage with your local TPK office (Nelson for Te Tau Ihu) before applying. Reference Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
Common mistakes to avoid
Not demonstrating direct benefit to Maori/whanau/hapu/iwi. Not engaging with local TPK regional office before applying. Confusing different TPK fund streams which have different criteria. Not meeting accountability requirements from previous funding.
What makes a strong application
Strong Maori community engagement, whanau-centred approach, clear outcomes for Maori wellbeing, alignment with TPK strategic priorities, engagement with local TPK regional office, strong governance and accountability
Application structure
Required documents
- • project proposal
- • budget
- • evidence of maori community support
- • organisational documents