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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.

Applications can be made throughout the year.

Final Applications Due

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

2025-2026 Meeting Dates
Wednesday 25 June 2025 Wednesday 9 July 2025
Wednesday 10 September 2025 Wednesday 24 September 2025
24/25 AGM Wednesday 15 October 2025
Wednesday 5 November 2025 Wednesday 19 November 2025
Wednesday 21 January 2026 Wednesday 4 February 2026
Wednesday 11 March 2026 Wednesday 25 March 2026
Wednesday 13 May 2026 Wednesday 27 May 2026

 


Grants Available

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

For SPORTING initiatives applicants must provide:

  • A verified bank deposit slip or statement.
  • A confirmation letter from the recognised Regional/National body of your selection.
Apply online Download Form

For WĀNANGA ASSISTANCE initiatives applicants must provide:

  • Applicant must be registered with the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board
  • A verified bank deposit slip or statement.
  • Letter/s of support from marae/hapū.
  • Letter of support from marae/hapū confirming marae booking
  • A detailed cost break down for the Wānanga
  • Project location (if applicable)

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)
  • Does not cover Administration or Project Management costs.
  • Applicants must provide letters of support from the marae/hapū confirming booking.
Apply Online

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

  • Applicant must be registered with the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board
  • 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

For RANGATAHI PROGRAM initiatives applicants must provide:

  • Applicant must be registered with the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board
  • A detailed project plan and budget.
  • A verified bank deposit slip or statement.
  • Letter of support from marae/hapū.
  • Confirmation of booking (if being held at Marae/community building)
  • Project location (if applicable)
Apply Online

For TŪWHARETOA HOSTED EVENTS initiatives applicants must provide:

  • A detailed cost break down for the Project.
  • A verified bank deposit slip or statement.
  • Location map (if applicable)

Note:

  • Funding applications have been pre-approved for the Tūwharetoa Hosted Events listed below only:
    • Tūwharetoa Taiopenga
    • Tūwharetoa Marae Sports
    • Tūwharetoa Kaumātua Lunch
    • Tūwharetoa Ahurei – Ruia Taitea
Apply Online

For ENVIRONMENTAL initiatives applicants must provide:

  • A legal document verifying the organisation’s details and status (if applicable).
  • A verified bank deposit slip or statement.
  • Letters of support from affected hapū.
  • Location map (if applicable).
  • Written permission from the landowner (if applicable).
  • A detailed cost breakdown for the Project.

Note: Generally new environmental applications for the 2024-2025 funding year will only be considered once a year. This will be done at the November 2024 hui. 

Apply online Download Form