Māori Economic Development Grants Fund

Establishing the wealth and prosperity of our people has always been a priority, and even our migration to this region in the early 19th century, can be linked to this.

Te Rauparaha, one of the leading chiefs of Ngāti Toarangatira, urged the people to migrate to the Kāpiti region, to make the most of the opportunities of plenty of land and resources, and greater trade with Pākehā.

Tangata whenua have collaborated with Council to develop a Māori Economic Development and wellbeing in Kāpiti [PDF 342 KB] strategy, launched in 2013. Under this strategy, funds are allocated annually to selected applicants who meet the criteria.

Māori economic development

Māori economic development is important both for Māori, and for New Zealand’s overall economic performance. In Kāpiti, tangata whenua are making a strong economic, environmental, social and cultural contribution at all levels.

As iwi settle historic grievances through the Treaty settlement process, we are poised to become powerful leaders in the economic future of the whānau, hapū and iwi groups on this coast.

Māori economic wellbeing builds opportunities for all Māori. It links tangata whenua to the district, contributes to the wider community, and may provide opportunities to explore partnerships post-Treaty settlement.

Find out more in the Strategy for Māori Economic Development and Wellbeing in Kāpiti [PDF 342 KB] [PDF].

The fund

The fund helps whānau, hapū, Iwi, mātāwaka and Māori business in Kāpiti with the costs of ongoing development of Māori economic activity. A total of $80,000 is available for projects that align to the Māori Economic Development strategy. 

How to apply

Applicants should view and familiarise themselves with the criteria and Māori Economic Development Strategy before applying for the Grants Fund.

While we prefer electronic applications, hard copies will also be accepted. To apply:

• Complete the application form 
• Download the PDF form [PDF 347 KB], and send it back to us via:
• Email: [email protected] or
• Post: Advisor Iwi Projects 
  Kāpiti Coast District Council 
  Private Bag 60601 
  Paraparaumu 5254

If you have any questions about your application or the application criteria, please email [email protected] or call us on 0800 486 486 and ask to speak to the Advisor Iwi Projects.

Timeline

• Monday 9 February 2026 – Opening of applications for Māori Economic Development Grants.
• 5pm, Sunday 22 March 2026 – Closing of applications for Māori Economic Development Grants.
• April 2026 – Grant panel announce allocations.
• May 2026 – Recipients confirmed.
• June 2026 – Funds allocated.

Criteria

Applications must fall into one of three categories to be eligible:

• manaakitanga – leveraging the potential of rangatahi and building whānau capacity
  includes helping rangatahi participate in training courses, preparing rangatahi for career choices and apprenticeships, and helping whānau and hapū develop their own plans for economic development
• kaitiakitanga – whatungarongaro te tangata toi tū te whenua – working with the whenua
  exploring sustainable land uses, such as working with Iwi to increase the use of under-developed and/or degraded Māori-owned land to maximise the value produced from it; for example, surveying potential use of land for biofuel crops
• kotahitanga – supporting whānau to achieve economic wellbeing – capacity, collaboration, innovation and Māori business
  includes growing opportunities for involvement in business.

Projects must:

1. show clear links to the strategic priorities of the Māori Economic Development Strategy
2. show clear economic benefit for Māori
3. be able to be monitored and evaluated through Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti
4. be completed by 30 June 2026, unless otherwise specified and agreed in the application/application approval
5. provide an accountability report on the activity and outcomes within six weeks of the completion of the project.

Further information

Other points to remember including:

• Grants may be awarded with conditions.
• Regular reporting on the use of grant money will be required. A requirement for quarterly reporting requirements is not unusual.
• Projects may be excluded if they have received significant funding from other Council sources.

Preference may be given to events that:

• attract visitors to Kāpiti Coast District in the off season (late March to October)
• can demonstrate successful external financial support
• show potential to be self-sustaining without council funding after three years.

Previous Recipients

[PNG 111 KB]

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