Rātaka tuku pūtea Funding rounds & dates

This contestable funding opportunity will support quality factual and scripted content made for diverse and multiple digital platforms including linear pouaka whakaata, on-demand, online viewing as well as limited podcast funding streamed through major platforms in this financial year. Both new and returning series are eligible to apply.

We ask that content producers to tell us about their capability and capacity to deliver content in the next 12 months, and to pitch content ideas that will contribute to the normalisation and wellbeing of te reo Māori. The content we are looking to support will be Aotearoa-centric and demonstrate a capacity to positively impact on New Zealanders’ attitudes towards te reo Māori by providing audiences an opportunity to engage with the language in a way that is inclusive and within their reach.

Te Māngai Pāho and NZ On Air have joined forces to fund high-quality, Scripted and Non-Fiction reo Māori content for a broad audience.

Research into the funding of Māori content has revealed that 71% of public funding for Māori film and television content goes toward Non-Fiction production. In an attempt to redress this imbalance, the priority of this round will be high-quality, Scripted reo Māori content. Non-Fiction content applications are welcome but will need to be extra convincing to succeed.

The content we are looking to support is Aotearoa-centric, engaging, and compelling. It will also positively impact on New Zealanders’ attitudes toward te reo Māori by giving the audience an experience of the language that is inclusive and within their reach.

Since its inception, Te Māngai Pāho has supported quality Māori journalism made by Māori about Māori issues, and interests. Te Māngai Pāho understands the important role it plays in creating space for our content, perspective, and reo on matters deemed of local, national and international relevance and importance.

Māori journalism provides a plurality of voices and addresses the potential for imbalance in our political landscape, especially in respect of that demand te reo Māori and Māori perspectives are heard and considered. To ensure Māori journalistic capability within the sector, Te Māngai Pāho is committed to continuing its tautoko for the production and distribution of Māori news and current affairs.

This contestable fund seeks to support the creation of quality, reo Māori content that will contribute to the normalisation and wellbeing of te reo Māori through a tamariki or rangatahi audience. Participation in te reo Māori by this age demographic is a critical piece in reo Māori revitalisation and retention strategies. We seek content ideas that are relatable, age-appropriate, support learning, and provide immesrive engagement with te reo Māori.

The Special Projects funding round aims to provide funding for the production and broadcast of content in alignment with Māori celebrations of national significance. The ambition is that content produced with this funding will add to the awareness and enjoyment of the occasion while emphasising Māori culture and language as an integral part of our national identity.

Priority is given to content for Matariki and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori. Content ideas to support other established kaupapa of national importance are also welcome to apply.

Te Māngai Pāho Industry Support funding is aligned to the Creators key focus area published in the Te Māngai Pāho Statement of Performance Expectations for 2024/25; providing funding support to reo Māori content creators and related professionals for initiatives that benefit the reo Māori content industry and workforce.

Applicants are advised to submit an initial enquiry to support@tmp.govt.nz. A Kaihāpai (Advisor) will provide an initial assessment to determine suitability before inviting you to submit a proposal via Te Pūahatanga. The Industry Support funding round will be open from 1 August 2024 to 6 June 2025 or until funds are exhausted.

Applications will be accepted and decisions notified according to the following schedule:

The following are areas of priority for Industry Support investment:

1. Capacity and capability building: A programme, activity or workshop that assists professional development of personnel or organisations in relation to production or distribution of te reo Māori content;
2. Celebration and promotion of te reo Māori: An award category or event that celebrates te reo Māori content or its creators;
3. Partnerships: Collaborative initiatives that grow opportunities for positive engagement with te reo Māori through media or content.

Other initiatives may be considered based on need, demand and innovation.