Waikato-Tainui Taiao Grant

Before you apply

A $1 million contestable pool, capped at $100,000 an application. One of the largest environmental funds available to marae anywhere in the motu.

It funds projects aligned to the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato Awa and the objectives in Tai Tumu, Tai Pari, Tai Ao, the Waikato-Tainui Environmental Plan. Two named outcomes: Kia Hua, to prosper — assisting tribal members and marae in their environmental aspirations; and Kia Puaawai, to sustain — continuing roles as kaitiaki protecting current environments.

Marae endorsement is required, and where applicable mana whenua endorsement too, depending on your project. That is a conversation to start early, not a signature to chase at the end.

The decision matrix is published: alignment to the Tai Tumu Tai Pari Tai Ao strategy, marae endorsement, tribal reach, external funding, and sustainability of the project. Write to those five.

Not covered: salaries and wages, long-term pūtea to support kaimahi, and capital expenditure. So it funds the mahi, not the people or the plant.

The current financial year is FY27, 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027. Waikato-Tainui grants run on that year rather than the calendar year, and most allow one application per financial year. All of them require you to be a registered tribal member.