17/02/2026
✨ Mānawatia te Kāhui o Matariki – Funding now open for 2026 ✨
It’s been a little while since I’ve shared an update here - 2026! wow and I heard someone say today that it's still February and in all honestly so much has happened, I wonder how it's not November! Hei aha! I’m really stoked to share that the Mānawatia te Kāhui o Matariki Fund is now open for applications.
I have the privilege of chairing the Arts, Culture and Heritage Sub-Committee this term, and supporting this fund to see the many ways our hapori can honour and celebrate Matariki — is one of the highlights!
Matariki is a time for reflection, remembrance, connection and planning for the future. Each year, this fund helps in a small way bring to life events that strengthen our communities, uplift mātauranga Māori, and create spaces for whānau to come together.
If you, your kura, iwi, marae, or roopū-ā-hapori are planning an event to celebrate Matariki in 2026, then apply.
Events must be:
• Held within Marlborough
• Free or low-cost
• Family friendly and accessible
• Aligned with the kaupapa and values of Matariki
📅 Applications close at 8.00am on Monday 16 March 2026
Late applications cannot be accepted, so please don’t leave it too late.
Funding decisions will be made in May, giving successful applicants plenty of time to prepare.
I look forward to seeing the creativity, whakaaro, and kaupapa our community brings forward. Matariki is for all of us — and this fund exists to support you in celebrating it in ways that reflect that.
🔗 Further information and application details can be found here: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/recreation/events/manawatia-te-kahui-o-matariki-fund-marlborough-matariki-community-event-fund
If you have any pātai, please feel free to invite me for a kapū tī ☕️😜
Mānawatia a Matariki. Mānawatia te tau hou Māori x
If you’re organising an event to recognise and celebrate Matariki, you may be eligible for funding from Council to bring it to life.
Mānawatia te Kahui o Matariki Fund celebrates and supports the regeneration of mātauranga associated with Te Kāhui o Matariki. The contestable fund aims to support the community in hosting events that recognise not only Te Rā Aro ki a Matariki, the public holiday, but also the wider Kaupapa and principles of Matariki.
The fund opens for applications, until 8am Monday 16 March.
If your event is to take place within Marlborough, intended to be free, low-cost, family friendly and accessible to all, we encourage you to apply. See here for full details: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/recreation/events/manawatia-te-kahui-o-matariki-fund-marlborough-matariki-community-event-fund
Image credit: Rangitāne o Wairau
