Information about the scholarship
Every year, the Tūpuna Maunga Authority (TMA) provides $20,000 to support research projects about/on the Tūpuna Maunga.
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority is partnering with the Māori Education Trust to increase financial support for research on the Tūpuna Maunga. Successful applications that meet the Māori Education Trust’s criteria will be jointly funded by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority and the Māori Education Trust. Successful applicants that do not meet the Māori Education Trust’s criteria will be funded solely by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
The TMA Research Scholarship funds both new and ongoing projects from a range of fields, including creative arts, social sciences, and applied sciences. Read about past scholarship recipients here.
Applications can be written in both Te Reo Māori and English.
Timeframe
- Applications open on 29 June 2026 and close at 11:59pm, 30 August 2026.
Who is eligible?
Project proposal requirements:
- Information on how funding would be used for the project.
- Information on how mana whenua are informed/involved/engaged with throughout the project.
- An explanation of how this project benefits the Tūpuna Maunga and aligns to one or more of the following TMA values; Wairuatanga / Spiritual, Takotoranga Whenua / Landscape, and Mana Ao Tūroa / Cultural and Heritage.
Research project proposals must consider:
- The significance of the Tūpuna Maunga to Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau, culturally, spiritually, ancestrally, and historically.
- The potential impact of the research project (e.g.: on the maunga, the public, cultural values)
- The value of the project to the Tūpuna Maunga (all projects should aim to enhance the mana and wellbeing of the maunga.
Expectations
- Bimonthly check-ins required with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research scholarship lead.
- A final report submitted to the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research scholarship lead.
If you are a successful applicant for this scholarship, you will be granted a permit that outlines the conditions you will be required to meet.
All scholarship applications must be submitted via this online application form.
Make sure you have read the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Policy before you begin populating the form.
Check out the Information for Research Scholarship applicants pack, for support while completing the application.
Contact the TMA permit coordinator if you need advice on your application.