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Home Funding Celebrating Te Kāhui o Matariki – The Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund

Celebrating Te Kāhui o Matariki – The Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund

The Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund is now closed. 

2023 Matariki Ahunga Nui funding recipients

On this page:

About this fund

The Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund (the “Fund”) celebrates and supports the regeneration of mātauranga associated with Te Kāhui o Matariki. The contestable funding is designed to support Māori communities in leading the development of Te Kāhui o Matariki focused initiatives that recognise, not only Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, the public holiday, but also the wider Kaupapa and principles of Matariki.

The Fund will distribute up to $3 million in total to support events that encourage communities to participate in acknowledging and/or regenerating Matariki.

Initially funded by The Office for Māori Crown Relations – Te Arawhiti in 2022, from 2023, Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage, takes over management of the fund.

Matariki Principles

In supporting regeneration of mātauranga Matariki, applicants will need to demonstrate how they would use the funding to advance and promote three major principles of Matariki:

  • Remembrance – honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki
  • Celebrating the present – gathering to give thanks for what we have, and
  • Looking to the future – looking forward to the promise of a new year.

We recommend you read the application guide carefully before starting the application process.

Download icon Matariki Ahunga Nui 2023 Application Guidelines (PDF 284 KB) 

If you need support to understand or apply for our funding, please contact [email protected].

Key information for applicants

Key timeframes

Applications for the 2023 Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund opened on 1 May 2023 and closed on 21 May 2023.

Who can apply?

Applications are sought from Māori groups, community organisations, entities, or collectives, based in Aotearoa New Zealand with:

  • an existing role in community activities and services
  • the ability to demonstrate your role in delivering community activities
  • the capacity to administer and support the proposed event, and
  • commitment to provide an evaluation of the event after it has been delivered.

What activities can be supported?

Depending on the level of funding sought, to be successful event activities must meet the following event eligibility criteria.

For all applications:
The event and/or resource:

  • Encourages wide community participation in the celebration of Matariki
  • Promotes an understanding of Matariki in Aotearoa New Zealand
  • Takes place (or is launched) during in the period of Matariki.

In addition, for Manahau applications:

  • An event held, or resource launched, during the Matariki period, celebrates the Matariki principles in local communities.

For Mārama applications:

  • In addition to an event, and/or launch of resources, applicants demonstrate the introduction of teachings related to Matariki at a local and/or regional level.

For Mātau applications:

  • Events and/or resources explore, discuss, practice, and educate mātauranga Matariki and applicants demonstrate how activities sustainably regenerate mātauraga Matariki.

Find out more about these criteria in the full application guide.

We will prioritise funding that: 

  • Demonstrates the level of mātauranga Matariki that will be generated from the funding purpose
  • reflects partnership between iwi, marae, local government, and community groups
  • deepens the understanding about Te Kāhui o Matariki
  • promotes nation and community building
  • invites wide community participation, and
  • supports access for people with disabilities.

For further information on designing accessible events, please refer to the Ministry of Social Development website. A downloadable Word document with quick accessibility guidance can be found below.

We will not fund:

  • individuals (you must apply as part of a group, collective or organisation)
  • long term education programmes or resources
  • the purchase of alcohol.

All applications should be submitted through the application portal. 

We recommend you read the application guide before submitting your application. 

If you have any questions, please contact [email protected] or call the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage reception on (04) 499-4229.

Matariki Ahunga Nui Fund application guidelines

Guidelines to assist you with your application for Matariki Ahunga Nui funds.

File download

Updated on 21st July 2023