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He Pānui
Kia ora koutou! Welcome to this edition of He Pānui - Te Māngai Pāho, keeping you up to date with the latest news in te reo Māori content and funding across Aotearoa!
Sector hui update
Thank you everyone who attended or joined our sector hui yesterday. It was one of the largest turnouts we have had in some time. Led by our Board Chair, Reikura Kahi, the purpose of the hui was to share some of the feedback from our recent consultation, a brief update of how that has informed our strategic approach for 2026/27 and finally, share the approximate funding dates for 2026/27.
As we have communicated, we are due to lose $16 million of time-limited funding on 30 June. This represents a significant change in our funding environment. As a result, we published a series of potential scenarios and potential a strategic approach for the sector to consider. Feedback was varied, but the overwhelming message was that change should be gradual, well-reasoned and clearly communicated.
We agree with this. For this reason, the 2026/27 year will be a transition year, during which we will work with the sector to develop and refine a refreshed strategic approach, while maintaining as much stability as possible.
We are currently drafting our Statement of Intent. At our hui, we shared our updated interconnected focus areas (Te Reo Māori, Content and Audiences), which will appear across all of our accountability documents and reinforced in our funding rounds and RFPs.
We also shared our commitment to collaborate with the sector including Te Whakaruruhau, Ngā Aho Whakaari, the Māori Music Industry Collective, and all members of the sector, to co-design a future-fit rautaki and funding model. We will be sharing opportunities for engagement over the coming months.
As the Board noted at the hui yesterday, we remain very open to hearing and receiving any feedback as part of our consultation. If you would like to submit feedback on the scenarios, or propose alternative scenarios, please reach out to the team at info@tmp.govt.nz.
Funding calendar 2026/27
We have heard loud and clear that the sector values as much certainty and lead time as possible. This year, we acknowledge that we have been slower to publish our funding calendar for 2026/27 as we consulted the sector and await the outcomes of Budget Day.
Below are the dates for contestable Music and Diverse Content funding rounds. Please note that while we will do our best to stick to these dates, the RFPs will always have the most accurate funding information.
Guidelines for Māori Radio and Industry Support will soon be published. We know that iwi radio stations will be eager to get their contracts started on 1 July, and we will give as much time as possible to prepare the necessary information.
Funding Decisions
Last week, the Board approved funding for the latest Waiata Reo Māori and Waiata Tuarea funding rounds.
Waiata Reo Māori
21 applications were submitted to the Waiata Reo Māori R2 funding round. This funding round is for the production and promotion of single waiata containing more than 50% te reo Māori. 10 projects were approved funding of $10,000 to produce their waiata.
- 'Manawa Raiona' by Brutha Rodz
- 'Wainene' by Hamo Dell
- 'Aio' by Hohua Sta and Te Kiwa
- 'Hina' by HOPE
- 'Whakakai Marihi' by IA
- 'TURITURI WARAWARA' by Rani and TAWAZ
- 'Pa Ina Ina' by RIIKI REID
- 'NAMA TAHI' by TAWAZ and Te Wehi
- 'TINO KINO' by UNCLES ft. Hohua Sta
- 'Mō Rātou Mā' by ZENTARGE
Waiata Tuarea
10 applications were submitted to the Waiata Tuarea R2 funding round. This funding round is to support the creation of quality projects - EPs, albums, multi-song projects - for diverse audiences. Two projects were approved funding up to $50,000.
- 'Māori Kid Meets World' by MOHI
- 'Te Repo' by KOMMI
Funding dates for 2026
Kura Pounamu
Closes - Tues 26 May
Oro Hāpai
Opens - 4 Jun 2026
Oro Kura Roa
Opens - 4 Jun 2026
Mōhiohio
Opens - 4 Jun 2026
Kia māhorahora te reo!
Māori language - everyone, every way, everywhere, every day!
