Te Atiawa Pakihi Grants Programme
Tahua Whaihua
Tahua Whaihua draws its name from Tēnei Au e Ngārue, the karakia that tells of Wharematangi’s journey to reach his father, Ngārue. Within the karakia, tahua reflects the knowledge, skills, resources, and confidence needed to navigate challenges, while whaihua speaks to the successful pursuit and achievement of aspirations.
Inspired by this karakia, the Tahua Whaihua Pakihi Growth Grant Programme invests in the growth, capability, and long-term success of Te Atiawa-owned businesses and self-employed contractors. Through grants of up to $5,000 for individual businesses and self-employed contractors and $10,000 for collective applications, the programme supports high-value business development activities that help pakihi strengthen capability, accelerate growth, and build sustainable futures.
By investing in our entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators, we are investing in a stronger Te Atiawa economy and creating opportunities for our whānau, hapū, and iwi to flourish.
“Tēnei ka whai tapuwae, tēnei ka whai taumata, tēnei ka whai marae whare.”
Supporting Te Atiawa businesses to pursue their aspirations and realise their potential.
The Tahua Whaihuia Pakihi Growth Grant Programme is designed to compliment the Pou Kōkiri Māori business growth advisory programme developed by Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa, He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki, and Venture Taranaki and delivered by He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki.
Tahua Whaihua Application Process
The Tahua Whaihua Pakihi Growth Grant Programme provides grants to help Te Atiawa-owned businesses and self-employed contractors build capability, strengthen operations, and support business growth.
Funding can be used for:
- Business planning and strategy
- Tender and procurement readiness
- Digital tools and technology
- Financial systems and forecasting
- Branding, marketing, and communications
- Legal, compliance, and governance advice
- Feasibility studies and investment readiness
- Training, courses, and professional development
Whether you’re strengthening your foundations, preparing for new opportunities, or investing in future growth, Tahua Whaihua is designed to support the development of sustainable and successful Te Atiawa pakihi.
Eligibility
To be eligible for funding, applicants must:
- Be at least 50% Te Atiawa owned
- Be a New Zealand registered business or self-employed contractor
- Participate in the Pou Kōkiri programme – a Māori business growth advisory programme delivered by He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki in partnership with Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa and Venture Taranaki
- Demonstrate a clear business growth opportunity or capability need
Application Process
The application process has been designed to be simple and supportive:
- Step 1: Submit Tahua Whaihua Enquiry
Submit an Enquiry that will be sent to our Pou Kōkiri Pakihi Enterprise Advisor who will contact you and provide an Expression of Interest application. - Step 2: Complete Expression of Interest
Complete and submit a short one-page Expression of Interest outlining your business, growth opportunity, and proposed use of funding. - Step 3: Business Growth Advisor Assessment
Your application will be reviewed by the Pou Kōkiri Pakihi Enterprise Advisor, who will work alongside you to assess suitability and identify how the grant can best support your business goals. - Step 4: Final Approval
Funding recommendations will be considered, and a final decision will be made by Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa.
Hepa Te Moana
Pou Kōkiri Pakihi Enterprise Advisor
Hohepa Te Moana (Te Aupōuri, Ngāpuhi, Te Whānau a Apanui, Fiji) is a passionate advocate for Māori and indigenous economic development, bringing extensive experience working alongside iwi, hapū, Māori businesses and indigenous enterprises.
Through his role supporting collaboration between Venture Taranaki, He Toronga Pakihi ki Taranaki, and Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa – Heps helps strengthen connections and pathways for pakihi Māori across the region.
Tahua Whaihua Enquiry
Ready to explore how Tahua Whaihua can support your business? Submit an enquiry below to get started.