Wai Ora Fund

Iwi, hapū and whānau projects that develop expertise, exercise rangatiratanga and restore or protect freshwater fisheries and taonga species.

Closes

Opens annually. The 2026 round closed 21 August. Join the Te Wai Māori pānui list for the next round

Who can apply

Iwi, hapū and whānau groups with projects related to freshwater or freshwater fisheries, within the groups specified by the Māori Fisheries Act 2004.

Amount

Up to $50,000; $250,000 total pool and at least 20% cash or in-kind contribution required

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

Individuals & whānau, Marae & hapū, Iwi & Māori organisations, Organisations & providers

Before you apply

Te Wai Māori can only enter a funding agreement with a legal entity, so a whānau or hapū group that is not incorporated needs an entity to hold the agreement. Rounds have opened at different times year to year — the 2024 round closed in July, the 2026 round in August. The pānui list is how the next round is announced. Application process moved to SmartyGrants in 2026. Fund established 2012, over $2.5m distributed across more than 70 projects.

Official source →

Checked 16 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.