Government Launches He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund

The New Zealand Government has unveiled the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund, a new investment initiative designed to accelerate the growth of the Māori economy through science, innovation, and technology.

Formed through the merger of the Te Pūnaha Hihiko – Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund and the He Aka Ka Toro Navigation Fund, He Ara Whakahihiko represents a streamlined, future-focused approach to public investment. The fund aims to strengthen the capability of the science system and the Māori economy to collaborate as a powerful engine of economic growth.

The fund will back science projects that foster effective partnerships between Māori-facing organisations and established research organisations, with a strong emphasis on commercialisation and measurable economic outcomes.

He Ara Whakahihiko is structured around 2 focused funding streams:

• Ara Whaihua – Impact Pathways for Research: Supporting 12-month, implementation-ready research programmes with a clear path to commercialisation.
• Rangapū Rangahau – Research Partnerships: Investing in 2-year science initiatives that build enduring connections between Māori-facing organisations and the science and innovation ecosystem.

Aligned with the Government’s broader vision for science investment, He Ara Whakahihiko is a bold step toward a more innovative and economically vibrant New Zealand.

In parallel, an additional $1.982 million annually will be administered by the Health Research Council of New Zealand to grow Māori health research capability.

More information about the fund is on the MBIE website:

He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund

Read the Minister's announcement:

New science fund to boost Māori economy(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz