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 realising the potential of the Māori economy 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 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 to undertake research that promotes economic outcomes, including environmental outcomes with clear economic benefits.

The funding available

Approximately $8.6 million (excluding GST) is available to fund successful proposals in the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027 investment round. This funding is available through 2 schemes: Ara Whaihua and Rangapū Rangahau.

Ara Whaihua (Impact pathways for research scheme)

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

Ara Whaihua successful proposals

Rangapū Rangahau (Research Partnerships Scheme)

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.

Rangapū Rangahau successful proposals

Webinar for 2027 round applicants

We're running a webinar on June 17 at 1pm. Feel free to register on the link and join to find out more about the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund (HAWCF) 2027 investment round.

Register for the webinar(external link)

He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027 Investment Plan

He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027 Investment Round(external link) — Gazette Notice