Funding available for 2026 Waitangi Day commemorations

Community groups across Aotearoa are being encouraged to apply for a share of $300,000 in funding being distributed through the Commemorating Waitangi Day Fund 2026.

Manatū Taonga - Ministry for Culture and Heritage provides funding each year to a range of events that focus on the commemoration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its signing. Grants typically range from $5000 to $10,000 to support local communities holding celebrations of New Zealand’s shared history.

According to the ministry, Waitangi Day is not only a time to remember the signing of Te Tiriti at Waitangi, it is also an opportunity to acknowledge its journey across the country. Local commemorations play a key role in bringing people together to honour that shared story, with many long-standing events now cherished traditions for thousands of New Zealanders.

Tāngata whenua, community groups, and local councils are all encouraged to come together to propose and organise new Waitangi Day events, to broaden an understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Applications for the fund are now open and will close on Monday 20 October 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit the Commemorating Waitangi Day page.