Kaipara rangatahi panel offers up to $30,000 for environment projects

Groups with environment projects in Northern and Central Kaipara have until 9 November 2026 to apply for up to $30,000 from Te Māhuri o te Taiao.

The fund has $150,000 available in total. Six rangatahi, each representing a different rohe, make the funding decisions. Iwi leaders of Te Roroa, Ngāti Whātua and Te Uri o Hau chose them.

Foundation North describes the fund as a participatory grant-making initiative. That means rangatahi decide how money is spent in their own communities and on their whenua. This round is supported by Foundation North and Clare Foundation.

Who can apply

Projects must have a charitable purpose and focus on rangatahi, supporting young people aged 16 to 25. They must support environmental practices that restore, protect or improve the environment, or have a positive effect on te Taiao.

Projects must also benefit communities in the Northern and Central Kaipara region and take place there. A map of the boundaries is on the fund page.

Each project must line up with at least one of four focus areas:

Revitalising te Taiao, such as native birds, plants, ngāngara, ngahere, moana and waterways. This includes clean drinking water and safe places to swim.

Building and nurturing local rangatahi leadership in te Taiao.

Increasing understanding of mātauranga Māori to protect and preserve te Taiao.

Connecting people and communities to their Taiao.

Things to know before applying

Projects must not start until funding decisions are made, so applicants should plan timelines to begin after funding is confirmed. Late applications may not be accepted.

Foundation North expects decisions within 10 weeks of the closing date. Applicants will be told the outcome between the end of November and mid December 2026.

The fund is contestable, so there may be more eligible applications than money to go around. Applicants should say what other funding or resources will contribute to the project.

If a project changes after approval, the group may need to check with the panel before using the money differently. Successful applicants must agree to the funding conditions before payment is made.

Questions and help

The fund’s vision is to grow and uplift Kaipara rangatahi to carry mātauranga Māori and reconnect to their tūrangawaewae through whakapapa.

Anyone with questions about the fund or their kaupapa can email [email protected] with their contact details and query. For technical problems, Foundation North’s funding support team can be reached on 0800 272 878 or at [email protected].

The application guides on the fund page cover eligibility, funding available, supporting documents and how to apply.