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Kaitiaki Grant

The Kaitiaki Grant supports kaitiakitanga by contributing to Māori capacity and capability projects.

The Fund opened on 1 July 2025 and closes 30 June 2026. 

It is primarily  available to iwi, hapū and Māori land trusts with land interests within the Bay of Plenty Regional Council boundaries. Umbrella entities may be considered (such as a charitable trust) if they/or the project aligns with an iwi or hapū within their area.

The fund can be used for:

Activities that support kaitiakitanga and building capacity and capability  of iwi, hapū and Māori land trusts. Projects can be in the early stages of design or an existing project that needs further support.

Examples of activities:

  • Contribution to wānanga that support hapū/iwi engagement in Council kaupapa
  • Seed funding to scope a project / strategy
  • Support with taiao training initiatives 
  • Reconnection back to the Taiao through site visits
  • Support existing Taiao projects that achieves the Fund’s purpose
  • Supports rangatahi in the taiao

Applications for implementation costs will not be considered (capital purchases, equipment, plants etc). 

If you are unsure if your new or existing project fits this Fund, please contact us.

How much can we fund?

Applications for up to $5000 for your project.

Are you eligible?

The fund is available to iwi, hapū and Māori land trusts with land interests within the Bay of Plenty Regional Council boundaries.

For more detailed information about the funding process, eligibility criteria and application guidelines, we encourage you to refer to the Māori Initiatives Fund (He Ara Taituarā) Policy.

How to apply

Complete the Application Form and email to TeAmorangi@boprc.govt.nz or post to:

Kaitiaki Grant – He Ara Taituara Funding Application
Freepost Number 122076
Bay of Plenty Regional Council 
PO Box 364
Whakatāne 3158

If you have any queries regarding your project or completing the application form, please contact our He Ara Taituarā Fund Co-ordinator, Margaret Courtney. We may contact you to request further information to ensure that we have a full understanding of the project and its objectives.

Kaitiaki Grant Application Form

About you
Yes
No
Iwi
Hapu
Māori Land Trust
Yes
No
Yes
No
Not receiving
Receiving
Yes
No
Project information
Clearly demonstrate how this project contributes to building Māori capacity and capability. Explain what you are trying to achieve and why.
Provide a detailed outline of how funds will be spent – you can attach documentation if required.
Te Ara Poutama - The Pursuit of Excellence
He hapori mata-hī awatea - Future Ready Communities
Ngā hapori e honoa ana, e whakamanatia ana hoki - Connected and enabled communities
He whanaketanga mauri tū roa - Sustainable development
He taiao ora - A healthy environment
Please provide a project plan. If you are a Māori Land Trust, please provide a copy of your Trust Order. Please attach any other supporting document that might assist with this application if any.
Declaration and authorisation

By ticking this box you agree to the declaration below and can continue submitting the application

I/We acknowledge that the details given in this application or supplied by us in support of our application are true and correct to the best of our knowledge.

I/We declare that I have authority to submit this online application form and provide this information.

Our iwi, hapū or Māori Land Trust and the project location are within the Bay of Plenty boundaries.

I/We are not currently or have previously received support for the same work or deliverables from other Toi Moana/Bay of Plenty Regional Council and/or Government funding schemes.

I/We are not currently receiving and have not previously received support for the same work or deliverables from other Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council funds and/or Government funding schemes.

I/We agree to sign a contract with Toi Moana/Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

I/We agree to regularly monitor the project and to report its progress if required.

I/We are committed to completing our desired outcomes.

I/We agree that Toi Moana/Bay of Plenty Regional Council can use the project in promotional material.

This request does not exceed the maximum amount available of $5000. 

This project is not considered a conflict of interest.

I/We acknowledge that the privacy statement of Council will apply to any personal information contained in this application. 

I certify the information given in this form is true and accurate
I confirm that any potential conflict of interests or receiving of additional funding from Bay of Plenty Regional Council have been fully disclosed.
I understand that failure to do so will result in forfeit of funding and discontinuation of any future applications.
No
Yes