Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa — Tairāwhiti

Before you apply

This changed for 2026–27. Whiti Ora Tairāwhiti have moved away from separate Small and Large rounds to a single model. Organisations can apply for up to $20,000, with two pathways depending on the amount. Two rounds a year, aligned with school terms so groups can plan.

Your group can apply only twice in a 12-month period, and the second application can only go in once you have started delivering the first and invited them to visit it in action. They work kanohi ki te kanohi.

Priority communities named: Matakaoa, Waiapu, Ruatoria, Tokomaru Bay, Kaiti, Elgin and Te Karaka.

They are direct about scope. The fund is for young people missing out, so travel to tournaments, training camps and bespoke coaching for those already engaged sit outside it — other funders cover those.

There is a kaupapa Māori pathway. Several regions assess those applications against Te Whetū Rehua, the five key Māori development criteria. If your kaupapa is Māori-led, apply through that pathway rather than the general one.

You must show the tamariki and rangatahi actually want it — collated survey results, a photo of a whiteboard brainstorm, a video of young people talking about it. Do that before you write.

Ages 5 to 18. Priority to those less active, including girls and young women, disabled tamariki and rangatahi, and higher deprivation communities. Funds delivery — venue or equipment hire, transport, and wages for delivery staff. Does not fund capital costs, existing staff salaries, administration, medals, or representative teams and academies.

You must be a legal entity, or partner with one. Fourteen Regional Sports Trusts deliver this and each sets its own rounds — apply to the one covering your rohe.