Whānau Voice Grant

Frequently Asked Questions

The Whānau Voice Grant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page is here to help whānau, hapū, and community groups better understand how the grant works and what’s involved in applying. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about eligibility, application steps, funding criteria, and reporting requirements. Our aim is to make the process as simple and transparent as possible.

What is the Whānau Voice Grant?

The Whānau Voice Grant is a new community fund launched by Te Taura Ora o Waiariki Iwi Māori Partnership Board. It helps whānau share their lived experiences, stories, and ideas to improve health and wellbeing in their communities.
It’s about listening to whānau voices and supporting ideas that can help shape the future of the health system.

Who Can Apply?

The grant is open to whānau, hapū, iwi, marae, and community groups from across the Waiariki rohe. You don’t need to be part of an organisation as long as your kaupapa is whānau-led and focused on health and wellbeing, you can apply.
Each whānau, hapū, or group can submit one application per funding round.

Can legal entities apply for the Whānau Voice Grant?

Yes. Legal entities are eligible to apply, provided they do not have public accountability and have annual revenue of less than $140,000. This threshold helps ensure the fund supports smaller organisations and community-led initiatives that may not otherwise have access to significant funding streams.
Legal entities will need to upload their most recent annual financial report or performance report to verify their annual revenue.
Annual revenue refers to the total revenue made by the organisation during the financial year (excluding capital purchases such as equipment or assets).

Can I use this funding for activities that are already part of my organisation’s normal operations?

No. Funding cannot be used to support activities that are already funded through existing contracts or are considered part of an organisation’s Business As Usual (BAU) operations. This includes standard service delivery, core operational costs, or activities already resourced through other funding streams.
The Whānau Voice Grant is intended to support new, additional, or expanded kaupapa that align with the purpose and priorities of the fund. Projects must demonstrate added value beyond existing funded work.
If you are unsure whether your proposal would be considered BAU, please contact us before submitting your application.

How much funding is available?

There is a total of $40,000 available in this funding round.
Eight projects will each receive a $5,000 grant to bring their ideas to life

Why are there only 8 grants of $5,000 available?

Fewer available grants allow to us place energy and focus on capability building, supporting and growing the skills of our applicants. Instead of just giving out funding, we want to walk alongside whānau and community groups — helping build confidence in areas of planning projects, budgeting, and sharing your impact stories.
We want all applicants to feel ready and able to take up future funding opportunities. This approach is about setting whānau up for long-term success, so your ideas and Kaupapa can grow strong and continue to make a difference in our communities.

What types of projects can be funded?

We’re looking for projects that capture whānau voices and experiences to help inform health planning and decision-making.
Examples include:
  • Hui or wānanga where whānau share stories about health experiences
  • Workshops, interviews, or surveys to gather ideas
  • Creative storytelling through art, film, photography, or digital media
  • Research or storytelling projects led by whānau
The grant is not for delivering health services — it’s for gathering insights and ideas that help shape better outcomes.

What health areas can my project focus on?

You can choose what matters most to your whānau. Some examples are:
  • Rangatahi mental health and wellbeing
  • Cancer Journey
  • Immunisation
  • Oral health
  • Kaumātua wellbeing
  • Tāngata whaikaha inclusion
  • Rural or remote health access

When do applications open and close?

Applications open: Monday, 9th March 2026
Applications close: Wednesday, 8th April 2026
Applicants will be notified: by Friday, 17th April 2026

How do I apply?

You can begin an online application by visiting our guidelines and criteria page or by clicking the Start Application button at the top of this page.

What is the process?

1

Apply

Please complete the online grant application form, attach all required documents, and submit it by the due date.

 2

Confirmation

You will receive an email confirming your submission and an overview of the next steps.

 3

Review

Your application will be checked against eligibility criteria. We may contact you for more information.

 4

Agreement

You will be notified by email if your application is approved/declined. Successful applicants will receive their funding agreement.

 5

Outcome

Once funding agreement is signed, funding will be released in phases and linked to milestones.

What if I need help with my application?

If you have any pātai or need support filling in the form, reach out to our team. We’re here to help make the process easy for everyone. Please email grants@tearawaimpb.co.nz with any questions you may have.

How will the applications be assessed?

All applications will be reviewed by a selection panel. Projects will be assessed on:
  • Cultural integrity and tikanga alignment
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Feasibility – can the project be delivered?
  • Ethical engagement with whānau and community
  • Budget and planning
Please visit the Assessment Criteria and Points Allocation Table for further detail.

When will funding be paid?

Successful applicants will receive funding in phases which will be linked to project milestones.

Will photos, videos, or stories from my project be shared publicly?

Stories, photos, and videos created through your project help us celebrate and share the amazing mahi happening across our whānau and communities. Te Taura Ora o Waiariki (IMPB) may use this content in public communications, social media, or reporting to our funders and stakeholders.

What will I be responsible for?

All grant recipients will be required to:
  • Deliver the kaupapa as outlined in the application
  • Adhere to kaupapa Māori principles of ethical engagement, care, and consent
  • Maintain clear and transparent financial records
  • Submit a final report within four weeks of project completion. This must outline any key insights, quotes, or themes from whānau and budget reconciliation with copies of receipts
  • Provide names and roles of project leads and participants (where consented)
  • Provide visual or creative content (if applicable) e.g., short film, artwork, social media posts, or other creative outputs
  • Signed media consent/waiver forms for any publicly shared material

Can i apply for funding if my project is part of my PhD study?


Yes. Funding may be used to support kaupapa that form part of a PhD study, provided the project clearly aligns with the purpose and priorities of the Whānau Voice Grant.
Your research must meaningfully gather and uplift whānau voice within the Te Taura Ora o Waiariki region and demonstrate direct benefit to whānau in our rohe. Academic research alone is not sufficient — the kaupapa must contribute to community wellbeing outcomes.

If I am successful, can I change my kaupapa after approval?

Applications are assessed and approved based on the specific kaupapa outlined in your proposal. Funding is allocated on that basis.
If circumstances arise that significantly impact your project, you must contact us to discuss the situation before making any changes. Any variation to scope, objectives, or delivery must receive written approval.

Can I conduct my project outside of the Te Taura o Waiariki region?

Funding must be used for activities that take place within the Te Taura Ora o Waiariki region. The purpose of the grant is to strengthen whānau voice within our rohe and support kaupapa that directly serve our local communities.

Can I interview whānau who whakapapa to Te Arawa but live outside the Te Taura Ora region?

While we acknowledge the importance of whakapapa connections, this grant is specifically focused on gathering whānau voice from Māori who access health services within the Te Taura Ora o Waiariki region.
Projects must centre on whānau within the rohe to ensure the funding aligns with our mandate and regional priorities.

If our project is supported by a legal entity (willing to umbrella our project), what documentation must that organisation provide?

The legal entity supporting your project must provide the following documents:
  • A letter of support (on letterhead or email) confirming they agree to umbrella and administer your project
  • Bank account verification (e.g. deposit slip or bank confirmation)
  • A copy of their legal entity registration certificate

Is it possible to delete my application once it has been submitted?

Yes. You can delete your application after it has been submitted.
To do this, log in to your Applicant Portal and navigate to My Applications. From there, you can delete your submitted application.
If you wish to submit a new application, you may begin one from your dashboard. Please note that any new application must be fully submitted before the closing date and time.

What dates will I need to start and finish my project? 

The project period is 1st of May with the final report due 10th September 2026.
Please note that while these are the official project delivery dates, planning and preparation can begin once the funding agreement has been signed (expected mid-April).

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’re here to help!

Please email your question to grants@tearawaimpb.co.nz, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We encourage you to reach out early so we can support you in preparing your application.

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