Long before we called it innovation, we had Māui.
Toi Māui celebrates the art of innovation, creativity and courageous thinking.
The Toi Māui Innovation Grant is grounded in that same spirit, backing bold, whānau-centred ideas that can strengthen hauora and wellbeing for generations to come.
We are inviting whānau, community groups, kaupapa Māori organisations, providers and changemakers to bring forward new ideas. Not business-as-usual. Not expanding existing services. We are looking for fresh thinking inspired by lived experience, community knowledge and a desire to create meaningful change.
Successful applicants will receive:
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Funding to develop and test their idea
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Support to strengthen and refine their concept
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Opportunity to pitch to other potential funders
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Access to a growing network of innovators and leaders
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Stage 1: Registration of Interest
Submit a short ROI outlining your idea.
Stage 2: Shortlisting
Applications are reviewed by an independent assessment panel.
Stage 3: Development Support
Shortlisted applicants receive support to further develop their ideas.
Stage 4: Toi Māui Innovation Summit
Successful initiatives receive funding to move forward.-
ROI Opens - 6 July 2026
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ROI Closes - 3 August 2026
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Shortlisting Completed - 10 August 2026
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Toi Māui Innovation Summit - 4 September 2026
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Click here to be directed to the Terms + Conditions page
Kaua e whakama! If you need additional support, reach out to us so we can connect you to partners who can help shape your ideas into a strong application.
Please reach out to Ellie Berghan with any other pātai you may have here
10.00am - 10.20am
Mihi Whakatau & Welcome
Your MC for the day: Miss Kihi
10.20am - 10.40am
Keynote: Change in Programme TBD
11.00am - 11.10am
Brain Break
11.10am - 11.30am
Keynote: Jade Kake
11.30am - 11.50am
Keynote: Mike Smith
11.50am - 1.00pm
Kai o te rā
1.00pm - 1.40pm
Panel Discussion : What Does Meaningful Innovation Look Like?
Te Ropu Poa - Rangitamiro Whānau Ora Commissioning
Jules Lynch - Regional Commissioner, MSD
Jensen Webber - Mahitahi Hauora PHO
Hākopa Ashdown - Te Puni Kōkiri
Helen Bennett - Foundation North
1.40pm - 2.30pm
Creative Breakout Sessions
Wā Haututū - Creative Space facilitated by Kiri Leach from Te Taumata Hauora o Te Kahu o Taonui. Join this space if you are feeling inspired to move your ideas from your head to your hands.
Whāriki - Growing Māori Business. Facilitated by Talia Rikihana, this is specifically for all the Toi Māui grant applicants who are with us today, we invite you to join the Whāriki team and learn how to grow your ideas and innovations.
Healthy Families Far North – Facilitated by Mike Tipene and his team of innovators, this session focuses on innovation for systems change. For this session we welcome the boundary pushers, the collaborators and the change makers.
2.30pm - 3.00pm
Report Back & Summit Wrap-Up
Grant Award Dinner
By Invitation Only
Friday 4 September, 2026
6.00pm - 8.00pm
Tahuaroa Function Centre, Waitangi Treaty Grounds, Waitangi,