Puanga Matariki Events Fund 2025

Submissions are now being accepted. Submissions close at midnight 7 April 2025 (NZST).

About this fund

This fund offers up to $20,000 for events, activities and programmes celebrating Puanga Matariki during the festival period of May 27 – June 24, 2025.

Ko Puanga te whetū i ārahi i ā Matariki ki te Tau Hou (Puanga is the star that guides Matariki to the New Year).

Puanga Matariki is a time to encourage whanaungatanga, share stories and kai. It also marks the beginning of the Māori New Year, which traditionally was a time to plant trees, prepare the lands for planting crops, and more importantly, renew links with whānau and friends.

This fund supports local community groups to create events and workshops in celebration of Puanga Matariki and in keeping with the values and principles of the Festival:

  1. Remembrance – Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
  2. Celebrating the present – Gathering together to give thanks for what we have.
  3. Looking to the future – Looking forward to the promise of a New Year.

Criteria

  • The event must be held within the Puanga Matariki festival period.
  • The event must be held in the Whangārei district.
  • Applicants must be a registered charity or incorporated society, or be umbrella’d by one.
  • Applicants must demonstrate cultural sensitivity, understanding of and respect for Māori cultural practices and values.
  • Events should be free, koha or low-cost to ensure accessibility for the community.
  • The event must align with at least one of the Festival principles listed above.

Register and log in

You need to be logged in to start an application. Select 'log in' above to register. New registrations will receive an email with a link to complete the registration process. Check your spam folder if you don't receive it straight away. 

Once you have confirmed your registration and logged in, you can then select 'Fill out now' above to start completing your application. 

Creating a SmartyFile account

Once you are registered, you have the option to create a free SmartyFile profile for yourself and your organisation. We highly recommend that you do this to get the best out of SmartyGrants and be able to manage all your grant information centrally. Follow the instructions in your registration email to create a SmartyFile account, or go to the link below.

SmartyFile

Help guides

If you need more help using this form, check out these guides:

Help Guide for Applicants

Applicant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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