Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board logo
Tuwharetoa logo

Ngāti Tūwharetoa  
Mercury Development Group (NTMDG)

Over recent years the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board on behalf of Ngāti Tūwharetoa has negotiated a number of initiatives to support Ngāti Tūwharetoa endeavours.

In October 2002 the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Mighty River Power Development group was established as a result of a partnership agreement between Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Mighty River Power. In 2016 Mighty River Power became Mercury Energy and the group is now referred to as the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Mercury Development Group (NTMDG). The Development Group provides support for cultural, educational, and sporting initiatives.

Final Applications Due

(Applications must be complete by these dates, not just submitted)

 2026-2027 Meeting Dates
Wednesday 1 July 2026 Wednesday 15 July 2026
Wednesday 2 September 2026 Wednesday 16 September 2026
25/26 AGM Wednesday 14 October 2026
Wednesday 4 November 2026 Wednesday 18 November 2026
Wednesday 20 January 2027 Wednesday 3 February 2027
Wednesday 3 March 2027 Wednesday 17 March 2027
Wednesday 5 May 2027 Wednesday 19 May 2027

*Applications can be made throughout the year.

Download NTMDG 26-27 Hui Dates

Grants Available

  1. Sporting Assistance
  2. Wānanga Assistance
  3. Wāhi Tapu/Oral History Project
  4. Tūwharetoa Hosted Events
  5. Kaitiaki Taiao Project

For SPORTING ASSISTANCE initiatives applicants must provide:

  1. Written confirmation from the Regional or International Body verifying your selection into the team.
  2. Outline of tournament costs is required.
  3. A verified bank deposit slip or statement.

Note:

  • When submitting a group application, please include a complete list of all team members participating in the event, along with their Ngāti Tūwharetoa Iwi ID numbers.
  • Effective from 15 October 2025, applicants will be eligible for a maximum of two (2) grants per financial year.
Apply Online Download Form

For WĀNANGA ASSISTANCE initiatives applicants must provide:

  • You must provide a detailed plan outlining the step-by-step process which will be undertaken.
  • You must provide a detailed budget outlining costs for the wānanga
  • Letter of support from Marae confirming your booking.
  • Project location (if applicable)
  • Verified Bank Account Details (e.g. bank statement, screenshot of bank details from mobile app, verified deposit slip)

Notes:

  • Wānanga must be held at a Tūwharetoa Marae.
  • Funding over and above the maximum amount may be given to those wānanga which are hapū or iwi based (up to $8,000.00. 4 wānanga at $2,000.00 each)
Apply Online Download Form

For WĀHI TAPU AND ORAL HISTORY PROJECT initiatives applicants must provide:

  • A detailed project plan and budget.
  • Applicants must have relevant Hapū, Landowner, Council permissions to undertake mahi. Proof of this is required.
  • A verified bank deposit slip or statement.
  • Letter/s of support from marae/hapū.
  • Project location (if applicable)
Apply Online Download Form

For TŪWHARETOA HOSTED EVENTS initiatives applicants must provide:

  • You must provide a detailed plan outlining the step-by-step process which will be undertaken.
  • You must provide a detailed budget outlining costs for the wānanga.
  • A timeline or program showing key dates, times, and activities for the event.
  • A verified bank deposit slip or statement.
  • Location map (if applicable).
  • Letter of support from marae/hapū.

Note:

  • Funding applications have been pre-approved for the Tūwharetoa Hosted Events listed below only:
    • Tūwharetoa Taiopenga.
    • Tūwharetoa Kaumātua Lunch.
    • Tūwharetoa Ahurei.
    • Tūwhare Taiao.
    • Waitangi ki Tūwharetoa
    • Taikura Kapa Haka.
Apply Online Download Form

For KAITIAKI PROJECT initiatives applicants must provide:

The Kaitiaki Project funding supports taiao initiatives that protect, restore, and enhance whenua, wai, and taonga within the Ngāti Tūwharetoa rohe.

Before completing an application, applicants should carefully review the funding categories below to determine which option best fits their project. Each category has different requirements, approval processes, and review timeframes.

Applicants are encouraged to ensure they have:

  • The appropriate hapū support and permissions
  • A clear project plan and budget
  • Alignment with environmental objectives and sustainable outcomes

Important note: The application form contains the full and detailed requirements. As a general rule, new applications are considered once per funding year only. Applicants are strongly encouraged to plan ahead and have all required documentation ready before applying.

Multi-Year Environmental Projects

This funding stream is intended for larger-scale or long-term environmental projects that span more than one year and require ongoing support and oversight.

Applicants must provide:

  • A verified bank deposit slip or bank statement
  • Letters of support from affected hapū
  • Written permission from the landowner (where applicable)
  • A detailed project plan
  • A full business case
  • A detailed cost breakdown for the project

Projects must:

  • Have formal hapū endorsement
  • Clearly align with environmental objectives
  • Include measurable outcomes and sustainable practices
  • Meet ongoing reporting requirements

Contestable Taiao Project Fund

This fund supports smaller-scale or one-off environmental projects that meet environmental objectives but do not qualify for multi-year funding.

Applicants must:

  • Meet the general Kaitiaki Project criteria
  • Provide a detailed project plan and budget
  • Supply proof of all required permissions (hapū, landowners, and/or councils, where applicable)

Special Marae Grant 

This grant supports marae-led environmental initiatives.

Eligibility:

Applicants must provide:

  • A hapū letter of endorsement
  • Project objectives
  • A detailed budget breakdown

Review process:

  • All applications are reviewed during the March funding rounds
Apply Online Download Application Form
NTMDG - SPORTING
NTMDG - Project