Grants

Twelve whānau-led projects have been chosen in the first round of Whānau Voice Grants, giving hapori across our rohe the chance to shape hauora and wellbeing in ways that matter to them. Originally planned for ten grants from a $50,000 pool, the fund was boosted to support twelve projects, recognising the exceptional quality and creativity of the submissions received.

The grants were created to put whānau at the centre of decision-making, recognising that those living the experience know best what works locally. Proposals poured in demonstrating the strength, creativity, and commitment of whānau to transform hauora in their communities.

The winning Whānau Voice Grants highlight the strength and creativity of whānau-led solutions across the rohe, from digital storytelling and a ‘Virtual Whare Kōrero’ to filmed kōrero, podcasts, and photography. Plus kaupapa to improve health pathways, support rangatahi wellbeing, and uplift identity- and tikanga-led initiatives like Takatāpui hauora, moko kanohi revitalisation, and hapū-led burial planning. Together, they show that hauora thrives when whānau lead solutions grounded in culture, connection, and lived experience.

When the fund closed in November, twenty-five entries had been received that met the criteria based on kaupapa Māori design and/or whānau-led delivery. One of our Board members, Rawiri Bhana, says our approach challenges the usual way funding works.

“Communities that don’t fit the usual parameters, like remote or rural whānau, tāngata whaikaha, gang whānau, takatāpui, and young parents who often go unheard. Instead of asking whānau to conform, we are adapting the system to capture their expertise, creativity, and insight,” he says.

Entries were reviewed by a selection panel in December, with all submissions anonymised to ensure fairness. The high quality of proposals and strong alignment with Te Taura Ora o Waiariki values showed the depth of thought and creativity whānau bring to improving hauora.

The process revealed many grassroots initiatives need support alongside funding, with strong interest in projects grounded in tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori. Whānau-led initiatives approached hauora priorities such as immunisations, oral health, and mental health in innovative, locally led ways.

As a result whānau were inspired to collect, interpret, and share their own stories, honouring that they are experts in their own health journeys. Social media helped spread the word, encouraged participation, and applicants described the process as mana-enhancing and empowering.

This approach is helping to build leadership and strengthen whanaungatanga at the grassroots. Participating whānau are developing skills in engagement, analysis, and storytelling, which can be applied to future planning and service design within the health system.

The twelve Whānau Voice Grant recipients will come together in February and, by May 2026, roll out their health and wellbeing initiatives, directly benefiting whānau across the Te Taura Ora o Waiariki region.