Waiata Reo Māori

Production and promotion of an original single waiata with 50% or more reo Māori.

Closes

Annual round. Opens 4 February 2027, closes 4 March 2027, 5pm. Decisions 16 April

Who can apply

Artists and producers making an original single waiata containing 50% or more reo Māori that has not been released before.

Amount

Covers production and promotion including aligned video assets

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

Individuals & whānau, Businesses & land trusts, Organisations & providers

Before you apply

Fifty percent or more reo Māori, original, and not previously released. If your waiata sits under 50% reo, Waiata Takitahi takes bilingual singles at 25% and is listed here.

What Te Māngai Pāho are looking for is stated plainly: waiata for Aotearoa audiences that can shift how New Zealanders feel about te reo, by letting people engage with the language in a way that is inclusive and within their reach. Write the application to that, not just to the music.

Eligible costs are spelled out: mātanga reo (a reo Māori consultant), studio engineer, music producer, music director, session musicians, studio hire, mixing, mastering, video asset creation, publicist and campaign services. Other reasonable costs may be considered.

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.