Kia hua mai he whenua ka toko i te tika, te pono, me te
Mana Māori Motuhake, hei korowai mo Aotearoa.

Te Pou Māori supports tangata whenua aspirations by prioritising Māori success, intergenerational leadership, innovation, and collective action.

Te Kāwai Toro is the Māori Development committee of the J R McKenzie Trust, committed to supporting tangata whenua led aspirations.

Funding Priorities

Te Pou Māori funds organisations that fit with the following four priorities, and where Māori constitute at least 80 percent of the leadership/governance of the organisation.

1. Māori succeeding as Māori

More connected communities
Increased capacity for transformational change

Central to the success of Māori-led initiatives is the recognition that being Māori is an advantage. Drawing from te ao Māori and Mātauranga Māori, these models are tailored to fit Māori contexts, with Māori leading and driving the initiatives. The focus remains on benefiting Māori communities, with whānau wellbeing and positive outcomes placed at the forefront of their efforts.

2. Intergenerational Leadership

More inclusive decision-making
More connected rangatahi, hapū, iwi, hapori

This priority focuses on building and strengthening Māori leadership that is based on tikanga Māori. This includes the traditional structures within which leadership is nurtured for whānau, hapū and iwi.

3. Innovative Ventures and Solutions

Increased capacity of transformational change
More inclusive decision-making
Equitable access to resources to advance equity

Drawing on the qualities that have been passed down from our tupuna, the tradition of innovation can empower ngā kaikōkiri on their path toward economic emancipation, granting them the autonomy to shape their own destinies and fulfill their aspirations.

But central to this goal is fostering economic resilience that is independent of external influences, ensuring that their journey towards self-sufficiency is not reliant on outside powers or sources of capital.

4. Collective and Collaborative Action

Strengthen collaboration and support collective action
Support community innovation, voice and leadership

To continue to engage with, and build strategic relationships and partnerships, with funder and other networks, regionally, nationally, globally that can progress and accelerate the aspirations of ngā kaikōkiri Māori.