He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund

The Fund's aim

The He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund aims to:

• increase understanding of how scientific research* can contribute to the aspirations of Māori-facing organisations and deliver benefit for New Zealand, with a focus on promoting economic growth, impact, implementation and partnerships, and
• strengthen capability, capacity, skills and networks between Māori-facing organisations and the science, innovation and technology system.

*Science definition: Science is the pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and social world following a systemic methodology based on evidence.

The He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund invests in:

• impact pathways for research with a focus on enabling commercialisation and outcomes that promote economic growth from research
• the development of skilled people and organisations that plan to undertake or are undertaking research towards economic, and/or environmental outcomes.

The funding available

Approximately $8.6 million (excluding GST) is available to fund successful proposals in the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2026 investment round. This funding is available through 2 schemes: Rangapū Rangahau and Ara Whaihua.

Rangapū Rangahau

Rangapū Rangahau invests in work programmes of 2 years that strengthen capability and networks by building new connections between Māori and the science, innovation and technology system.

Ara Whaihua

Ara Whaihua focusses on scientific research that is ready to be implemented, rather than exploratory. It invests in work programmes of 12 months and focusses primarily on commercialisation and promoting economic growth from science.

How to apply

We anticipate this year’s funding round information will be published in June 2025 and you will be able to submit applications in August 2025.