Applications are now open for the 2025 Wai Ora Funding Round
The 2025 Wai Ora Fund is now open! Funding is available to iwi, hapū, and whānau to support their aspirations for freshwater fisheries in their rohe.
Whether that’s wānanga to gather and share traditional fishing knowledge, research to better understand the health of freshwater fisheries, or work to safeguard freshwater taonga species and their kainga.
$250,000 pūtea available, up to $50,000 per project
Te Wai Māori Trust recognise the need and value of supporting projects by iwi, hapū and whānau whose mahi directly supports our taonga species and their kainga.
Over $2.5 million has been awarded to more than 70 projects through the Wai Ora Fund since 2012. To check out some of the previous projects made possible through the Wai Ora Fund click here.
Application process
To get started, click on the button below to download the fund guidelines and application form. These documents contain important details about the fund’s purpose, priorities and criteria.
When you’re ready to make your application, submit your application form through our online portal (a little further down this page).
Applications close 5pm, Monday 21 July 2025. Late applications will not be accepted.
Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō project releasing tuna (Photo credit: Naomi Aporo-Manihera)
Purpose of the Fund
Through the Wai Ora Fund, Te Wai Māori seeks to enable Māori to develop expertise to promote and advance Māori interests in freshwater fisheries through development, research and education. The purpose of the fund is to:
Increase Iwi and hapū capacity and capability in freshwater fisheries and their ability to exercise rangatiratanga over their freshwater fisheries
Promote and share indigenous fisheries expertise, knowledge and understanding
Increase the quality and range of information to Iwi and hapū on freshwater fisheries and their interests thereof
Enhance the health and wellbeing of the indigenous fisheries and their environment.
Eligibility criteria
The Māori Fisheries Act 2004 specifies that Te Wai Māori can distribute funds to the following groups:
- Māori;
- Mandated Iwi Organisations; or
- Other Māori organisations
Projects will be assessed for their strategic value in achieving the purposes of the Fund. Projects must be focussed on one or more of the four guiding principles in relation to freshwater fisheries and their habitats.
Projects will not be eligible for funding if they have received funding from the Wai Ora Fund three times previously. However, applicants who have received funding previously for different projects are eligible.
Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō project weighing tuna (Photo credit: Naomi Aporo-Manihera)
Funding criteria
Shared funding is preferred (i.e. Iwi/hapū/local or regional council/other funding agents provide funding to project). Applicants should note that the maximum funding amount that can be awarded per project is $50,000 GST exclusive. Applicants need to provide a minimum 20% contribution to the project, whether it be cash or in-kind.
Funding decisions are based on the:
- Funding criteria
- Priority areas specified by Te Wai Māori
- Quality of applications received
In assessing applications, Te Wai Māori may take into account the past contract performance of applicants who have previously received funding.
Funding will not be provided for:
- Costs relating to motor vehicles and buildings
- Costs relating to business operating expenses
- Retrospective costs
- Intellectual property royalties
- Commercial ventures
- Legal advice
- Resource consents
- Scholarships/PhD
- Water Conservation Orders
Funded project
Te Maru o Kaituna | Kaituna Pātaka Kai Project
For further information on eligibility or the priority areas for funding, please refer to the Wai Ora Fund Guidelines. You can also contact us via email at: twmfunds@waimaori.maori.nz.
Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō project setting tuna (Photo credit: Naomi Aporo-Manihera)