The Ngā Whenua Rāhui fund provides a formal conservation agreement which provides protection for Māori landowners through a 25 year renewable kawenata.
It helps protect native ecosystems on Māori-owned land while allowing landowners to retain full ownership and management. The kawenata is tailored to each whenua and reflects the cultural, ecological, and historical values of the area.
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Ngā Whenua Rāhui Fund applications
Applications are open from 1 March 2026 to 30 April 2026.
The resources below provide key information for applying to the fund. We are sharing this information early so those wishing to apply can understand the online form and gather the details needed to complete the process without delay.
If you are thinking about applying, this information will help you assess whether the fund is the right fit for your whenua and will support you to move through each stage with confidence and clarity.
Fund information pack (PDF, 5,603K)
Fund application guide (PDF, 5,055K)
Biennial Report 2022-2024
Discover the latest efforts in protecting and revitalizing Māori-owned land across Aotearoa. Our 2022-2024 Biennial Report showcases stories of resilience, leadership, and conservation success.
Some highlights of the report are:
- Motutāiko Island: Protecting rare species.
- Cyclone Gabrielle: Unyielding conservation efforts.
- Traditional Fishing Practices: Reviving cultural heritage.
- Hēteri-Ā-Nuku Programme: Training future conservation leaders.