We administer the Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund which supports events that commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi and increase awareness and knowledge of the Treaty through celebrations and local storytelling.
In this section find out how to apply for funding, the eligibility criteria and what activities were funded in the previous year.
Applications for the 2024 Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund are open from Monday 11 September to Friday 13 October 2023 and include updated criteria.
About this fund
The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund will distribute up to $300,000 to support events that:
- commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi (the Treaty)
- increase awareness and knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty
- encourage a wider mix of communities to take part in Waitangi Day events.
We are especially keen to support events organised by local government and/or communities in partnership with tangata whenua that invite wide community participation.
To see what type of events we funded last year, see Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund 2023 successful applicants.
Information for applicants
Applications for the 2024 Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund opened in September 2023.
We recommend you read the application guide before starting your application process.
Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund guide
Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund 2024 application form (Funding portal)
If you have questions or need help with your application, email [email protected]
or call us on (04) 499-4229.
Who can apply
To be eligible you must be a recognised local government or community organisation, group, or collective, 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
- commitment to provide an evaluation of the event after it has been delivered.
What activities can be supported
To be successful event activities must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Event theme and activities focus on the commemoration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi and its signing;
- Event increases awareness and knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi;
- Event celebrates and shares local Māori stories and shows meaningful iwi/hapū engagement and support;
- Event promotes and encourages wide community participation by encouraging other cultures to share their experiences, stories, and perspectives;
- Applicants demonstrate how their event will meet the accessibility needs of their community, including those with disabilities; and
- Event takes place on or near Waitangi Day (6 February), or days significant to the signing of the Treaty in a particular community or rohe.
What cannot be supported
We will not fund:
- individuals (you must apply as part of a group, collective or organisation)
- mid- to long-term education programmes or resources
- travel to Waitangi or the Bay of Islands
- the purchase of alcohol.
Updated on 18th September 2023