Māori Trades and Training Fund

The Māori Trades and Training Fund focuses on multiple employers, for example, iwi or hapū, to provide work experience and training opportunities for Māori. This includes an emphasis on paid training with support services, such as pastoral care, to overcome barriers to participating in training or apprenticeships.

Projects will be Māori-led and support people into meaningful employment through in-demand skills that will aid their long-term employment.

The Minister for Social Development and Minister for Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti, will jointly approve applications on a rolling basis.

Proposals will be assessed against the following criteria:

• projects must be led by Māori including iwi, hapū or other Māori groups
• funding should focus on initiatives that will develop skills likely to be in demand over time
• funding will be used by Māori entities to bring cultural knowledge, expertise and connections to the Māori community
• initiatives should provide meaningful opportunities to support people into sustainable employment to help fulfil their needs, goals and contribute to their wellbeing
• initiatives should promote upskilling and employment in vulnerable communities. And support people to access employment-based training opportunities who otherwise may not be able to
• initiatives should provide a pathway for trainees to move into further training or employment opportunities to encourage positive labour market outcomes for communities and employers in the longer-term.

Maori Trades Training Fund – Criteria and Assessment approach (PDF 859.55KB)

If you are part of a Māori led initiative and would like to apply for funding through the Māori Trades and Training Fund, you can register your interest here:

Māori Trades and Training Fund Expression of Interest form (Word 278.4KB)

Applicants should email their completed expression of interest form to MTTFund@MSD.govt.nz.