Grant opportunity
Ara Whaihua - He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund 2027
Funding for 12-month work programmes that translate existing or new science into implementation, commercialisation or economic outcomes for Māori.
- Funder
- New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
- Proposals close at 12 noon on 2 September 2026
- Proposals close at 12 noon on 2 September 2026: Sep 2, 2026
- Award
- NZD 100,000 per 12-month project; approximately NZD 2.1 million available
- Applicant
- New Zealand-based Māori-facing organisations or Māori research organisations that meet every scheme eligibility condition and propose translation of science toward economic outcomes.
- Discipline
- Science, Innovation and Research Commercialisation
- Region
- New Zealand
- Posted
- Aug 18, 2026
Call summary
Overview
Ara Whaihua is the impact-pathways scheme of the 2027 He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund. It supports research that is ready to move toward application, commercialisation or another clearly framed economic outcome.
Who can apply
The applicant must be an eligible New Zealand legal entity and demonstrate that it is a Māori-facing organisation or Māori research organisation. The proposed work must satisfy the fund purpose, scheme rules and applicable Vision Mātauranga themes.
What it supports
- Translation of existing or new science
- Commercialisation and economic growth
- Māori science, innovation and technology capability
Funding and duration
- NZD 100,000 excluding GST for each 12-month work programme
- Approximately NZD 2.1 million is allocated to the scheme
Proposals close at 12 noon on 2 September 2026
Proposals close at 12 noon on 2 September 2026: Sep 2, 2026
How to apply
Read the official call and scoring guidance, prepare the required proposal material, and submit through MBIE's Pītau Investment Management System before the deadline.
Call details
Source-based overview
The scheme is intended for implementation-ready scientific work rather than exploratory research. Applicants should show the underpinning science, a credible route to impact or commercialisation, their ability to deliver, and benefits aligned with the fund and Vision Mātauranga.
Eligibility
The applicant must be an eligible New Zealand legal entity and demonstrate that it is a Māori-facing organisation or Māori research organisation. The proposed work must satisfy the fund purpose, scheme rules and applicable Vision Mātauranga themes.
Funding and benefits
NZD 100,000 excluding GST for each 12-month work programme
Approximately NZD 2.1 million is allocated to the scheme
Themes and supported activities
Translation of existing or new science
Commercialisation and economic growth
Māori science, innovation and technology capability
Deadline and timeline
Proposals close at 12 noon on 2 September 2026: Proposals close at 12 noon on 2 September 2026: Sep 2, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Read the official call and scoring guidance, prepare the required proposal material, and submit through MBIE's Pītau Investment Management System before the deadline.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.