Waiata Takitahi

This round closed on 5 November 2026.

Rounds often reopen. Check the funder's page below for the next one, or browse what is open now.

A bilingual single needs only 25% te reo, and it is open to artists from any background.

AotearoaReo MāoriToiAhureaMāori-ledWaiata

Closes: Annual round. Opens 15 October 2026, closes 5 November 2026, 5pm. Decisions 4 December
Who can apply: New Zealand artists wanting to record and release a bilingual single with general audience appeal and a minimum of 25% te reo Māori in the lyrics. Artists can come from any background.
Amount: Covers recording a single song, video and visual content, and promotion, publicity and marketing
Funding route: Grant
Applicants: Individuals & whānau, Businesses & land trusts, Organisations & providers

Before you apply

The lowest barrier to entry of any Te Māngai Pāho music fund, and the one most people do not realise they qualify for. Twenty-five percent te reo in the lyrics, and you can be from any background. The other waiata funds ask for 50% or more.

The reo has to be overseen by a reo Māori language consultant for quality and contextual relevance — and if you cannot line one up before the deadline, Te Māngai Pāho will match you with one. So not having a consultant is not a reason to skip it.

The pūtea covers recording the song, video and visual content, promotion and marketing, and it can pay the reo consultant.

A co-fund with NZ On Air, launched in 2020, aimed at getting waiata reo Māori onto big audience platforms.

Official source →

Checked 17 September 2026

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