The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is calling for researchers across Aotearoa to help deepen understanding of the ancestral mountains of Tāmaki Makaurau through its 2026/2027 Research Scholarship.
Applications open on Monday 29 June 2026 and close at 11.59pm on Sunday 30 August 2026.
The scholarship offers up to $20,000 to support research that aligns with the values and aspirations of the Tūpuna Maunga, while contributing to their ongoing protection, care and restoration.
This year, the scholarship includes a new partnership with the Māori Education Trust, expanding support for applicants whose proposals meet MET criteria.
Successful applicants who meet those criteria will receive joint funding from the Tūpuna Maunga Authority and the Māori Education Trust. Applicants who do not meet MET criteria may still be funded solely by the Authority.
The scholarship is grounded in the Tūpuna Maunga Education Strategy and the principles of the Integrated Management Plan, supporting research that grows knowledge, encourages innovation and protects the mauri and wairua of the maunga.
Previous scholarship recipients have explored a wide range of fields, including ecology, archaeology, photography, weaving, volcanology, anthropology and cultural narratives.
Researchers from all disciplines are encouraged to apply, provided their work reflects the Authority’s values and strategic direction.
Tūpuna Maunga Authority Co-Chair Paul Majurey says the scholarship is about supporting research that creates meaningful insight and strengthens the relationship between people and place.
Co-Chair Marama Royal says the new partnership with the Māori Education Trust will strengthen support for applicants and expand opportunities for research grounded in shared values.
The scholarship may be awarded to a single applicant or divided among multiple recipients, depending on the strength, scope and quality of proposals received.
Applications must be submitted through the SmartyGrants platform, with successful recipients expected to receive funding from November 2026, subject to processing timelines.
Full details, including eligibility, application information and the Tūpuna Maunga Values framework, are available through the Tūpuna Maunga Authority website.
The Authority says it welcomes applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and research fields, as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the ancestral landscapes that continue to shape the identity, history and future of Tāmaki Makaurau.
#Tags
#RadioWaatea #TūpunaMaunga #TāmakiMakaurau #MāoriResearch #MātaurangaMāori #Whenua #Mauri #Wairua #MāoriEducationTrust #Scholarship #ResearchScholarship #Auckland #ManaWhenua #Education #TeAoMāori #Aotearoa #SEO
