Te Kawe Oraka

Te Tauraki is inviting applications for Te Kawe Oraka funding to support whānau Māori across Te Waipounamu and Wharekauri/Rēkohu.

Te Kawe Oraka represents the tools, resources, and provisions carried to enhance whānau hauora. This funding supports community-led initiatives that strengthen whānau wellbeing and create meaningful, lasting change.

The opportunity

This round, funding is available through two pathways:

Pathway 1 – $50,000 is a single-stage process for smaller-scale initiatives. It is designed for locally led kaupapa that can deliver visible, timely wellbeing outcomes.  Applications close 17 July. Apply here →

Pathway 2 – $250,000+ is a two-stage process for larger-scale initiatives demonstrating delivery capability, systems, and scale. Stage 1 applications close 10 July, with shortlisted applicants invited into Stage 2 from 21 July. Apply here →

Successful initiatives will be contracted for delivery through to 30 June 2027, with the potential to extend into 2027-28 subject to confirmed funding from Te Puni Kōkiri and agreed milestones being met.

Funding priorities

There are two sets of priorities depending on where your initiative will be delivered. For initiatives within:

Takiwā of Kāi Tahu, including Wharekauri/Rēkohu

• Te Oriori: Best start for pēpi, māmā and whānau
• Ara Whānui: Improving whānau and community wellbeing by overcoming barriers to hauora
• Mauri Tau: Accessible mental wellbeing support for all ages

Takiwā of Te Tauihu

• Te Oriori: Best start for pēpi, māmā and whānau
• Ara Whānui: Improving whānau and community wellbeing by overcoming barriers to hauora

Across both pathways, we are seeking initiatives that:

• Use mobile, community-based, or flexible delivery
• Improve access and engagement
• Strengthen whānau and community wellbeing over time
• Support prevention, resilience, and responsiveness

Applicants will need to demonstrate strategic alignment, delivery capability, capacity and readiness, and a clear approach to measuring impact.

Funding guidelines

Please click on the links below for full guidance on Te Kawe Oraka funding.

• General guidelines
• Pathway 1
• Pathway 2

Our approach

The name, Te Kawe Oraka, draws on kawe, the act and means of carrying what is needed for a journey. Kawe refers to the woven straps and handles used to carry essential resources. In this kaupapa, the straps and handles are used symbolically to represent the interwoven responsibilities of whānau, community, and those who support them, allowing the load to be carried together.

Te Kawe Oraka is grounded in Whiria te Tuamaka, our Whānau Ora commissioning approach. Whiria te Tuamaka draws on a metaphor of collective effort, where people support one another to move through challenging conditions and difficult crossings.

Where Whiria te Tuamaka speaks to collective crossing, Whiria te Kawe speaks to the weaving of the straps and handles, binding responsibility and contribution so the load can be shared. No single strand is expected to carry the weight alone.

Te Kawe Oraka recognises that whānau hold their own strengths and solutions. Through this funding opportunity, investment is directed toward the tools and resources that enable whānau and communities to carry what is needed, as journeys and challenges change.

Online briefing

We will host an online briefing on 22 June for prospective applicants. This session will provide:

• A clear overview of Te Kawe Oraka funding pathways
• Key priorities and what we’re looking for in applications
• Guidance on the application process and timelines
• An opportunity to ask questions and get clarity before applying

Click here to register your interest.

Pātai?

All enquiries should be directed to beaufa.b@heightpm.com.

This is an important opportunity to contribute to the wellbeing of whānau by delivering services that directly advance hauora and wellbeing aspirations. We look forward to receiving your application.