March 31, 2026

#hauora: Āti Awa Toa Launches Grants to Amplify Whānau Voice in Hauora

Matthew Tukaki Posted On March 31, 2026

Āti Awa Toa Iwi Māori Partnership Board has launched a new grants fund aimed at supporting whānau, hapū, marae and kaupapa Māori organisations to share their lived experiences and ideas for improving health and wellbeing across the rohe.

The initiative will provide up to four grants of $5,000, with a focus on kaupapa that centre whānau voice and strengthen understanding of what is needed to enhance hauora outcomes within the community.

Applications open today, 30 March 2026, and close at 9am on 4 May 2026.

Manahautū Hikitia Ropata says the fund recognises the value of knowledge already held within whānau and communities, and the importance of ensuring those perspectives are heard and reflected in decision-making.

The grants are intended to support a wide range of kaupapa Māori approaches, including hui, wānanga, storytelling, interviews, creative projects, and intergenerational kōrero. Digital storytelling, photography, art and other community-led methods of capturing and sharing whakaaro are also encouraged.

There is no set model applicants must follow, with flexibility built into the fund to allow whānau and organisations to design projects that best reflect their lived realities and cultural context.

Insights gathered through the funded projects will contribute to future health planning and decision-making across the rohe, helping to ensure services and strategies are informed by the voices of those most affected.

Whānau, hapū, marae and kaupapa Māori organisations throughout the Āti Awa Toa rohe are being encouraged to share the opportunity through their networks and consider applying.

Applications are now open and close on 4 May, with funding available for up to four successful kaupapa.