Māori Agrifood Value Grants NZ 2025: How to Get Up to NZD 4.8M to Build Processing, Brands and Export Capability

If your whānau, hapū or iwi are tired of selling raw product at the cheapest price and want to capture the profits that come from processing, branding and direct exporting, this is one of the rare public funding windows that actually matches ambition with scale. Te Puni Kōkiri’s Kāinga-related support provides grants up to NZD 4,800,000 per enterprise to help Māori agrifood businesses move from commodity suppliers to owners of value-added food businesses — think a cooperative cheese plant, a branded Manuka honey line, or a seafood processing and cold store that ships direct to premium markets.

This grant is not simply about income. It’s about asserting economic autonomy while practicing kaitiakitanga — running enterprises that look after whenua and moana as they create jobs and long-term wealth. If you can show strong Māori ownership (51%+), secure access to land, and governance that embeds tikanga in everyday decision making, the money is there to fund processing equipment, export-readiness, brand development, and environmental upgrades.

Below you’ll find a practical, no-nonsense guide to whether this is for you, what to include in an application that reviewers will respect, a realistic timeline you can follow, and the common mistakes that sink otherwise strong proposals. Read this as if you were sitting with an advisor over a hot cuppa — direct, useful, and a little cheeky when it helps.

At a Glance

What This Opportunity Offers

Think of this fund as the heavy-lift capital for Māori agrifood businesses. Small grants can buy a shredder or two; this scheme pays for the machine room. The grant covers large capital items and the surrounding capabilities that make processing profitable: engineering and site works, industrial equipment, cold-chain infrastructure, labelling and packaging lines, and the costs of getting product certified and market-ready.

Beyond hardware, the program funds brand and intellectual property work. That means professional design rooted in mātauranga Māori, consumer-ready storytelling, websites, export catalogueues, and trademarking to protect cultural content. Funded projects can also include market development expenses such as trade missions or buyer introductions arranged by Te Puni Kōkiri.

Environmental transition is another pillar. You can apply for funds to implement regenerative practices that improve soil, reduce runoff, and measure carbon sequestration — all actions that can command a premium price overseas and meet importing country standards. In short: this is capital plus capability. It pays for the thing you build and the plan that makes the build sellable and sustainable.

Finally, because Te Puni Kōkiri is focused on Māori development, projects that create clear employment pathways for rangatahi, link with iwi economic strategies, and show measurable stewardship of resources will score very well. The grant is structured to generate lasting enterprise capability, not one-off infrastructure with no plan for operation.

Who Should Apply

This fund is for Māori-owned agrifood enterprises that are ready to step up — not for groups still in the “idea” stage. If your business already produces a consistent volume of raw product and you have a credible route to market, you should consider applying.

Real-world examples:

• A group of Māori dairy farmers organised as a cooperative, planning a community cheese factory to process and market artisanal cheese under a Māori-owned brand.
• A whānau-run honey operation with significant Manuka output that wants to invest in extraction, bottling, brand protection and international distribution agreements.
• A fishing company that currently sells live product to intermediaries and wants to install filleting, IQF freezing and packing to export premium fillets directly to destination markets.
• A sheep or beef enterprise transitioning to regenerative grazing with a plan to process meat on-site and sell carbon-neutral provenance cuts to specialty retailers.

Eligibility essentials in plain language:

• Māori majority ownership (51% or more). That can be individuals, a trust, or an iwi-owned entity.
• Practical access to whenua — owned or long-term leased land, or other secure rights to operate.
• A governance structure that demonstrates tikanga in decision-making, which might include kaumātua input, whānau representation, or a documented tikanga charter.
• Evidence that the business is financially viable or that the project will materially improve its viability (audited accounts, cashflow forecasts).

If you’re unsure about ownership thresholds or what constitutes “access to whenua,” contact Te Puni Kōkiri early — they can advise whether your structure fits.

Insider Tips for a Winning Application

Good ideas get funding. Great applications tell a credible story that connects culture, capability and cashflow. Here’s how to shape yours so it sings.

1. Start with whakapapa, then build the business case.
   Do not lead with spreadsheets and assume the rest will follow. Begin your narrative with who you are and your connection to the land and sea. Then show how that connection drives a solid commercial plan. Reviewers are Māori and non-Māori — your cultural context matters and makes your proposal distinctive, provided it is authentic.

2. Make tikanga concrete.
   Saying “we follow tikanga” is not enough. Describe specific practices and governance mechanisms: karakia schedules, use of rāhui for resource recovery, a board seat for kaumātua, profit-sharing with whānau education funds, or decision-making protocols referencing kawa. Tie these practices to operational decisions — for example, how a rāhui influences harvest scheduling and inventory planning.

3. Demonstrate demand before asking for production capacity.
   A Letter of Intent from a buyer in Japan, China or the US matters. A distribution agreement, pre-order commitments, or a Memorandum of Understanding from a supermarket or foodservice buyer shows this is not speculative. If possible, secure at least one formal buyer willing to state volumes and price bands.

4. Show co-investment and risk-sharing.
   The funding is substantial but not typically full coverage. Plan to put in 20–30% of project costs via cash, land equity, or in-kind contributions. List where the co-investment comes from (bank loan, iwi funds, private investor) and how you’ll cover operating losses during ramp-up.

5. Build an employment and training plan for rangatahi.
   Outline roles, hours, training modules, and progression paths. If you can partner with a local training provider for apprenticeship accreditation or on-the-job certification, do it and include that agreement in your materials. Tangible job creation is highly valued.

6. Invest in credible environmental metrics.
   If you claim regenerative practice, back it with a plan: soil testing, a biodiversity baseline, a nutrient management plan, and named certifiers (Toitū Envirocare or Hua Parakore are recognized examples). Include timelines and targets (e.g., nitrogen runoff reduction percentages, reforestation hectares).

7. Protect cultural IP early.
   If your brand uses Māori motifs, kupu or stories, register a trademark and consider Toi Iho or another Māori provenance mark. Show you have a plan to prevent cultural appropriation and to manage benefits with whānau and iwi.

Putting these pieces together will turn your application from “would be nice” into “this will work and last.”

Application Timeline (Practical and Workable)

Work backwards from 8 August 2025. Do not leave critical pieces to the final week.

• 6–8 months before deadline (now): Convene a hui to obtain whānau and hapū endorsement. Record minutes and capture governance agreements.
• 4–6 months before deadline: Prepare core documents — business plan, financials, environmental plan. Engage a Māori business advisor and an engineer for cost estimates.
• 3 months before deadline: Secure market validation — letters of intent, buyer conversations, distribution prospects. Arrange export compliance advice if targeting regulated markets.
• 6–8 weeks before deadline: Finalise technical designs, contractor quotes, and co-investment commitments. Draft governance charter and tikanga descriptions.
• 2–3 weeks before deadline: Circulate full draft to reviewers: a whānau representative, a non-specialist, and a commercial advisor. Incorporate feedback.
• Submit at least 48–72 hours before the portal closes to avoid technical glitches.

This schedule assumes you already have a functioning business. If you’re starting from scratch, build at least an extra six months for feasibility and governance setup.

Required Materials (What to Prepare and How)

The application expects evidence, not promises. Prepare these core items with attention to detail.

• Whakapapa and Kaupapa Narrative: A clearly written statement (2–4 pages) explaining identity, connection to whenua/moana, and the project’s purpose.
• Business Plan: 3–5 year financial projections, revenue model, break-even analysis, and assumptions. Include sensitivity analysis for price and volume changes.
• Governance Charter: Documents showing decision-making roles, how tikanga is embedded, board composition, and conflict resolution processes.
• Technical and Engineering Quotes: Itemised equipment lists, contractor quotes, site plans, and feasibility studies with timelines.
• Environmental Plan: Baseline measurements, targets, mitigation measures, and names of certifiers or technical advisors.
• Market Validation: Letters of Intent, offtake agreements, buyer emails, or distribution deals. Quantify volumes and indicative prices.
• Financial Statements: Recent audited accounts or management accounts, cashflow statements and evidence of co-investment.
• Evidence of land access: Title deeds, lease agreements, or other legal proof demonstrating you can use the whenua.
• CVs of key personnel: Short bios showing relevant experience and capacity to run the project.

Format these as separate, labelled files. If you have large technical drawings, include a concise 1–2 page summary in the main application and attach full documents.

What Makes an Application Stand Out

Applications that pass muster are precise, culturally grounded, and commercially credible. Top-tier proposals demonstrate four things in tandem: authentic Māori leadership, proven demand, operational feasibility, and environmental responsibility.

Iwi alignment is powerful. If your project is linked to an iwi economic development plan or an iwi investment strategy, attach that plan and a statement of support. That shows the grant will strengthen the collective, not just an individual business.

Operational realism matters. Reviewers look for clear milestones: when the plant will be commissioned, staff onboarded, first production run completed, and first shipment dispatched. Include realistic lead times for regulatory approvals, construction, and staff training.

Risk planning scores points. Name the risks (supply variability, currency exposure, equipment delays) and state measurable mitigations. If you have a backup buyer or a phased commissioning plan, say so.

Finally, cultural stewardship should be demonstrable. Showing benefit-sharing with whānau, protections for tikanga, and plans to reinvest in community services tells reviewers that economic gains will be retained locally.

Common Mistakes to Avoid (And How to Fix Them)

Mistakes happen. Avoid these frequent errors:

• Applying without whānau consent. Fix: Hold a formal hui, record minutes and secure written letters of support.
• Overstating market demand. Fix: Get letters of intent or pre-orders; quantify volumes and prices.
• Weak budgets. Fix: Build the budget from the bottom up with contractor quotes and contingency lines; explain assumptions.
• Tokenistic Māori identity. Fix: Show governance processes that reflect tikanga and community benefit, not just a logo.
• Neglecting environmental impacts. Fix: Commission a simple baseline study and a mitigation plan; name certifiers you’ll use.
• Waiting until the last minute. Fix: Start early, follow the timeline above, and submit with a buffer.

Address each potential fault honestly in the application and explain your mitigations — reviewers prefer realism to spin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can non-Māori partners be involved?
Yes. You can partner with non-Māori investors or advisors, but Māori must retain majority ownership and control. Include clear governance documents showing Māori decision-making authority.

Is land purchase eligible?
Generally the fund targets value-add infrastructure and capability, not land acquisition. You can, however, use land equity or long-term leases as co-investment.

How much co-investment is expected?
Typical co-investment sits around 20–30% of project costs. This can be cash, secured loans, land equity or in-kind contributions. Document the source and timing of your co-investment.

What if the project underperforms?
If funds are used responsibly and market conditions shift, Te Puni Kōkiri understands risk. Misuse or fraud can trigger clawback. Be transparent and keep good records.

Will you get feedback if not funded?
Yes. Successful and unsuccessful applicants typically receive summary feedback which you can use to refine future submissions.

Do I need export certification before applying?
Not always, but showing you understand regulatory requirements and have a plan to obtain necessary certifications will strengthen your case. Having a buyer or agent in the target market helps.

Next Steps and How to Apply

Ready to move forward? Do these things in order:

1. Convene a hui and document whānau and iwi support.
2. Engage a Māori business advisor to help prepare the plan and budget.
3. Gather buyer validation, engineering quotes, and environmental advisors.
4. Finalise governance documents embedding tikanga in decision-making.
5. Submit before the deadline via Te Puni Kōkiri’s portal.

Apply and find full details on the official Te Puni Kōkiri website: https://www.tpk.govt.nz/
If you need direct assistance, contact your regional Te Puni Kōkiri office early — they run workshops and can point you to approved advisors. Start now: the deadline is 8 August 2025, and the lead time for credible proposals is months, not days.

This grant is a serious opportunity: large sums, high expectations, and the potential to shape intergenerational enterprise. If your whānau has the product, the whenua and the will, this fund can help shift value back to Māori hands.