Six Kāpiti Coast organisations awarded Māori Economic Development Grants

Kāpiti Coast District Council and Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti have announced six successful recipients of the Māori Economic Development Grants Fund 2026/27.

The contestable Fund, established in 2013, supports whānau, hapū, iwi, mātāwaka, and Māori businesses and social enterprises in Kāpiti to grow Māori economic activity and deliver positive outcomes for the district. A total of $80,000 was available in this year’s funding round.

Council Iwi Partnerships Advisor Karly Richardson says the successful projects show the strength and diversity of Māori enterprise across Kāpiti.

“Māori businesses make an important contribution to the Kāpiti Coast district, not only economically but through the vibrancy, innovation, and cultural richness they bring to our community,” says Ms Richardson.

“These grants provide practical support to help local Māori-led initiatives take their next step, especially at a time when many businesses are navigating challenging conditions.

“While the grants are modest, they can make a meaningful difference by supporting recipients to build capability and continue to innovate.”

“They also support positive opportunities for and with Māori, leading to better outcomes for our communities across the district.”

The Fund supports projects that align with the Māori Economic Development and Wellbeing Strategy and contribute to ongoing Māori economic development in Kāpiti.

The successful applicants and their projects are:

Lenda.nz Limited

• Develop and deliver a whānau financial wellbeing programme to strengthen financial capability among Māori whānau across the rohe of Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.

Kaha Sustain

• Develop enterprise-ready infrastructure for a Māori-led technology platform.

S Webber Construction

• Build and commercialise transportable cabins while providing local rangatahi with hands-on construction training.

Mana Kupu Trust

• Produce the short film He Kōrihi and digitise historic 1940s Kāpiti film footage to preserve and share local stories and heritage.

Mahi Motu

• Purchase a fit-for-purpose vessel to support Māori-led environmental restoration, customary harvesting, and rangatahi development.

Oranga Ōtaki Limited

• Relocate and fit out a kaupapa Māori medical practice into a larger, centrally located facility to support improved access to health care.

For more information about the Māori Economic Development Grants Fund, visit kapiticoast.govt.nz/MaoriEDgrant.