Purpose
Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga (NPM) is Aotearoa’s only Māori Centre of Research Excellence (CoRE) that is funded by New Zealand’s Tertiary Education Commission and hosted by The University of Auckland. Our mission is to nurture Māori researchers to undertake excellent, impactful research that accelerates flourishing Māori futures. Our research is focused on bringing positive change and transformation to Māori, the nation, and the global Indigenous community. The NPM Matakitenga research fund supports research projects that contribute to our overall mission and specific outcomes in our Matakitenga Research Framework (view the framework here).
Matakitenga alignment
Research applications must align with the priority outcomes in our Matakitenga Research Framework (see Appendix 1 in the application form). This year, priority will be given to Pae Ahurei applications, particularly community-orientated projects. Applications for the other Pae (Tawhiti, Ora and Auaha) will be considered. We invite applications from new and emerging researchers.
Eligibility
- The lead applicant must be a Māori researcher employed at a NPM partner entity (The full list of NPM partner entities can be accessed here).
- The wider team must include at least two NPM partners,and can additionally include community-based partners.
Requirements
- Projects must be completed as per the research plan, including meeting NPM reporting requirements.
- Ethics approvals must be submitted to NPM.
- Projects must acknowledge the support received by NPM.
- The lead applicant should expect to participate in at least one NPM Wānanga (Paetukutuku / TTT Hui-ā-Tau / Rangahau).
Duration
The application outcomes will be notified by 30 June 2026. Applicants must be prepared to spend their fully allocated budget by 31 December 2027.
Value
We expect to support projects valued between $10,000-$60,000 NZD, from a total funding pool of $500,000 NZD. Proposals for full projects and to seed or scope research are both eligible.
Closing date
Tuesday 28 April 5:00pm
How to apply
Download and complete the application documents below. Applications are to be submitted through the NPM application portal. The online portal will be open on the Tuesday 24 March 2026 and can be accessed here.
Information webinar
The NPM Pou Matarua Co-Directors will facilitate an information webinar on Thursday 9 April 2026, 1:30pm. Please register here.
Contact
For application queries please email: research@maramatanga.ac.nz.