Oro Kura Roa — waiata reo Māori funding

Funding for the production and promotion of original single waiata containing 50 percent or more reo Māori, not previously released, aimed at Aotearoa audiences.

Closes

Annual round. The 2026-27 round has closed

Who can apply

Musicians, producers and music companies. Waiata must be original and unreleased, with 50 percent or more reo Māori. Register with Te Pūahatanga before applying.

Amount

Up to $90,000 for a single artist, including a $14,000 stipend for a minimum 12 to 14 weeks full time

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

Individuals & whānau, Iwi & Māori organisations, Businesses & land trusts

Before you apply

The most substantial thing Te Māngai Pāho offer a single artist. Up to $90,000, made up of a $14,000 stipend so you can stop working and focus for at least 12 to 14 weeks, a curated schedule of music business development sessions and networking, and funding to produce and promote a multi-song project in te reo Māori.

It goes to one emerging artist per round. The stipend is the part that makes it different — most funding pays for the recording and leaves you to survive.

The 2026-27 round ran 4 June to 8 July 2026, decided 21 August. Rounds for 2027-28 were not published as at 14 September 2026. Sign up to the Te Māngai Pāho newsletter rather than checking the page.

Four other music funds run alongside this one and all are listed here. Waiata Takitahi is the easiest to get into.

Official source →

Checked 17 September 2026

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Details change without notice. Check the funder's own page before you apply. Tōku Waka does not administer, assess or award this funding.