Funding | Te Waka Toi | Heritage Arts

Heritage Arts Funding Programme

Under this programme, Te Waka Toi supports projects that contribute to the maintenance and preservation of the heritage arts of Māori. If you're not sure if this is the right funding programme to apply to, please go back to our Te Waka Toi Funding page.

Types of activities we fund

• marae arts workshops that pass on the knowledge and skills of traditional Māori arts (e.g. whakairo, raranga, karanga, whaikōrero, waiata)
• wānanga that help preserve traditional knowledge (e.g. whaikōrero, waiata, karanga, raranga whāriki, raranga whatu)
• the maintenance of existing artworks on marae
• artistic adornment of traditional waka.

Please note: applicants for waka projects should request a copy of the waka guidelines from an Arts Adviser, Māori Arts.

Types of activities we can't fund

If you haven't already checked whether your project is eligible for funding, please work your way through Step 1: Can I apply?.

Assessment criteria

Your application will be assessed against the following criteria. To read about the application assessment process, go to our FAQs.

1: Good project planning

A strong application will provide a thorough project plan. Please refer to the Application Workbook supplement (PDF, 308KB)

2: Specific programme criteria

A strong application will provide evidence of:

• how your project will contribute to the maintenance or preservation of the heritage arts of Māori
• the artistic merit of the work
• involvement of experienced arts practitioner/s
• the development of the artform*
• opportunities for artists to share their knowledge and skills with others*
• opportunities for artists to develop their skills.*

* Please note: factors with an asterisk will not necessarily apply to all projects.

Budget notes

A stong application will provide a detailed, realistic budget. Please refer to the Te Waka Toi FAQs.

Support material

For general advice on gathering and presenting your support material go to the Application Workbook supplement.

For marae restoration projects please submit a conservation or maintenance report with your application. Contact an Arts Adviser, Māori Arts for more information.

For weaving projects using natural materials, a detailed budget must be included.

For marae artwork projects (including carving, tukutuku or kowhaiwhai) please supply good-quality images illustrating the work of key people involved in the project. To help us with our assessment, we need five copies of each image.

Please also supply two copies of recent letters of recommendation/support from kaumātua in your community or iwi runanga.

What do I put in my project plan and budget?

Go to the Application Workbook supplement. For more help with your budget see our budget help page. Also don't hesitate to contact staff.