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About this fund

The Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund will distribute up to $300,000 to support events that:

  • commemorate the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi (the Treaty)
  • increase awareness and knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty
  • encourage a wider mix of communities to take part in Waitangi Day events.

We are especially keen to support events organised by local government and/or communities in partnership with tangata whenua that invite wide community participation.

To see what type of events we funded last year, see Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund 2023 successful applicants.

Information for applicants

Applications for the 2024 Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund are now closed. Applications for the 2025 round will be open from around September 2024.

We recommend you read the application guide before starting your application process.

Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund guide

If you have questions or need help with your application, email [email protected]
or call us on (04) 499-4229.

Who can apply

To be eligible you must be a recognised local government or community organisation, group, or collective, based in Aotearoa New Zealand with:

  • an existing role in community activities and services
  • the ability to demonstrate your role in delivering community activities
  • the capacity to administer and support the proposed event
  • commitment to provide an evaluation of the event after it has been delivered.

What activities can be supported

To be successful event activities must meet the following eligibility criteria:  

  • Event theme and activities focus on the commemoration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi and its signing;
  • Event increases awareness and knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi / the Treaty of Waitangi;
  • Event celebrates and shares local Māori stories and shows meaningful iwi/hapū engagement and support;
  • Event promotes and encourages wide community participation by encouraging other cultures to share their experiences, stories, and perspectives;
  • Applicants demonstrate how their event will meet the accessibility needs of their community, including those with disabilities; and
  • Event takes place on or near Waitangi Day (6 February), or days significant to the signing of the Treaty in a particular community or rohe.

What cannot be supported

We will not fund:

  • individuals (you must apply as part of a group, collective or organisation)
  • mid- to long-term education programmes or resources
  • travel to Waitangi or the Bay of Islands
  • the purchase of alcohol.