Kāpiti council’s fund offers helping hand for enterprising Māori

Kāpiti Coast District Council is inviting whā nau, hapū , iwi, ngā mā tā waka, and Māori businesses to apply to the Māori Economic Development Fund.

The contestable fund has $65,000 available this year for projects that align with the district’s Māori Economic Development Strategy and its priority themes of manaakitanga, kaitiakitanga or kotahitanga.

The fund aims to support growing the wealth and prosperity of Kāpiti Māori and is open to those starting out or in growth mode.

Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti chairman Andre Baker said the fund recognised the unique features of the Mā ori economy in ways that other funding opportunities did not.

“Te Ōhanga o Kāpiti, the local Māori economy, has a historic relationship with international trade and remains an important and growing part of the Aotearoa landscape, and while it is integrated into the New Zealand economy there are features that make it different,” Baker said.

“Things like whānau being the foundation of the Māori economy, applying their cultural values that guide our lives and mahi, and the relationship to te taiao (the natural world) are distinctive and crucial to the country’s economic success.”

Baker said the fund acknowledged those factors and provided an opportunity for existing and emerging local Mā ori businesses to get some help on their journey towards improved economic wellbeing.

“We are not talking about a large pūtea of money, but I am proud of our council’s financial commitment to recognise our local Māori businesses if you have a great plan.”

Kā piti Island Nature Tours director and Kāpiti Business Hall of Fame member John Barrett said emerging Māori businesses should put their best foot forward and apply.

“The fund is an example of local government and iwi partnership and a great opportunity for Māori small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) or start-ups to get ideas off the ground or bring some robustness to a fledgling business.

“It’s tough in this environment for aspirants to find a helping hand, and this is in that space.

“Prospective applicants should embrace the chance to be part of the growing Māori economy in our district — there is plenty of opportunity to contribute to the economy and environment.”

Baker said some excellent Kāpiti businesses had been supported by the fund over the years, and the assessment panel looked forward to seeing what applications come through this time.

Applications to the Mā ori Economic Development Grants Fund close on April 7.

Go to www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/maori-ed-grant to find criteria, apply, or book a short meeting with a member of the Kāpiti Coast District Council iwi partnership team to discuss your application to the Māori Economic Development Fund.