Creative Communities Scheme — Wairoa

Arts funding for the Wairoa district, decided locally rather than in Wellington.

Closes

Two rounds a year (February/March and July/August). The council's 'Next Funding Round' as advertised ran 27 July – 28 August 2026, which has already closed. Next round expected February/March 2027 — contact the council to confirm.

Who can apply

Individuals or groups resident in the Wairoa district. Individuals must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. The project must take place in the district, benefit local communities, and finish within 12 months of funding being approved.

Amount

Set by the round and the local allocation

Funding route

Grant

Applicants

Individuals & whānau, Marae & hapū, Iwi & Māori organisations, Community groups

Before you apply

Three criteria and you only need to meet one — participation, diversity, or young people under 18. Diversity is described as supporting the diverse artistic and cultural traditions of local communities, which in a district that is around two-thirds Māori is the obvious one to write to.

Decided by a local Independent Assessment Committee, not by Creative New Zealand. Individuals can apply, which many council funds do not allow.

Worth knowing about locally: Wairoa District Council and the Department of Internal Affairs run free Wairoa Funding Clinics — hands-on sessions on what funders want, how to plan a project and how to write a strong application. They are held at local venues including Frasertown, Mahia, Nuhaka and the Taiwhenua in Wairoa, so they come to you rather than the other way round. Ring the council for the next round of dates.

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.