Funding | Te Waka Toi | Te Reo

Te Reo funding programme

Under this programme, Te Waka Toi supports projects that promote and strengthen the use of Te Reo Māori, oral and written, across artforms. 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.

We want to ensure there are opportunities for work to be presented in Te Reo at national and international levels. We also want to increase the number of works produced for a growing audience who understand and appreciate Te Reo. All applications must be submitted in Te Reo Rangatira, with a summary of the project in English.

Types of activities we fund

• any project that promotes and strengthens the use of Te Reo, including books, recordings (e.g. songs, stories, kiwaha, pepeha), theatre productions or plays, wānanga on Te Reo.

Please note: applicants for publications or recordings in Te Reo should read the guidelines for Te Reo applications.

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 please read about how we assess your application.

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 promote and strengthen Te Reo Māori
• the artistic merit of the work
• involvement of experienced arts practitioner/s
• 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 applications to write a work in Te Reo Māori, please send five copies of up to 10 pages of written work.

If you're applying for funding to record music in Te Reo Māori, please send five copies of good-quality demo tapes.

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