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 $50,000 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.
How much funding is available?
There is a total of $50,000 available in this first funding round.
Ten projects will each receive a $5,000 grant to bring their ideas to life
Why are there only 10 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:
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Hui or wānanga where whānau share stories about health experiences
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Workshops, interviews, or surveys to gather ideas
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Creative storytelling through art, film, photography, or digital media
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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:
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Rangatahi mental health and wellbeing
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Cancer Journey
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Immunisation
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Oral health
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Kaumātua wellbeing
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Tāngata whaikaha inclusion
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Rural or remote health access
When do applications open and close?
Applications opens 5 November 2025
Applications close: 27 November 2025
Applicants will be notified: by 12 December 2025
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
ApplyPlease complete the online grant application form, attach all required documents, and submit it by the due date. |
2
ConfirmationYou will receive an email confirming your submission and an overview of the next steps. |
3
ReviewYour application will be checked against eligibility criteria. We may contact you for more information. |
4
AgreementYou will be notified by email if your application is approved/declined. Successful applicants will receive grant details. |
5
OutcomeSign the grant agreement. Once signed, funding will be released in three phases. |
6
PaymentUpon signing the agreement, 50% of funding will be paid, followed by 25% for milestone one, and the remaining 25% upon project completion. |
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:
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Cultural integrity and tikanga alignment
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Innovation and creativity
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Feasibility – can the project be delivered?
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Ethical engagement with whānau and community
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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 once agreements are confirmed.
Upon signing the funding agreement 50% of funding will be paid, followed by 25% for milestone one, and the remaining 25% upon project completion
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:
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Deliver the kaupapa as outlined in the application
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Adhere to kaupapa Māori principles of ethical engagement, care, and consent
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Maintain clear and transparent financial records
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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
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Provide names and roles of project leads and participants (where consented)
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Provide visual or creative content (if applicable) e.g., short film, artwork, social media posts, or other creative outputs
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Signed media consent/waiver forms for any publicly shared material