Tangata whenua climate adaptation fund

Applications are now closed. Further funding rounds will be advertised in 2024.

Northland Regional Council’s Tangata Whenua Climate Adaptation Fund supports tangata whenua-led-flax-roots initiatives to build climate resilience.

The purpose of this new fund is to:

  • Support iwi/hapū or other tangata whenua entities to lead climate adaptation planning and action at a local level.
  • Provide direct assistance to hapori exposed to climate risk or who may have particularly vulnerable populations and/or assets.

The total grant amount available for any one application is up to $25,000.

Projects eligible for the funding will include those that demonstrate that they will enable a specific community(ies) to:

  • Improve its (their) understanding of the implications of climate change; and/or
  • Plan how to adapt to projected climate change impacts; and/or
  • Take action to address specific climate impacts and/or build resilience to climate change.

Potential examples of climate change adaptation planning and action might include, among other things:

  • Resourcing expertise or technical support to provide specific climate-related advice.
  • Supporting engagement/hui/kōrero on climate change specific to the applicant’s location, the outcomes of which would support the development of specific climate change responses for this community.
  • Promoting and supporting cultural monitoring, with a direct focus on understanding the impacts of climate change.
  • Planning for community led relocation (marae, community facilities, urupā / wāhi tapu, and other sites of cultural significance and value to Māori).
  • Development or update of Iwi/Hapū Environmental Management Plans, including a climate adaptation planning component.

Funding will only be granted to in scope projects where:

  • The applicant is an established legal or operational tāngata whenua entity such as a marae committee, hapū trust, iwi authority, or a consultant contracted to act on the entity’s behalf.
  • There is strong evidence of community buy-in and support, and/or alignment with mahi being undertaken by local government, industry, or community organisations.
  • Budgeted figures and quotes are realistic and appropriate, and the project provides value for money.
  • Good process for adaptation planning is followed, with tangible planned outcomes.

Application Criteria document

For a full description of the fund and the application criteria, download:

For further information and to register your interest for funding that focuses on tangata whenua led initiatives to build climate resilience, email: [email protected]