FAQs
Q. Can schools apply?
A. Schools are not eligible for funding towards the creation or upkeep of mara kai. Mara kai needs year-round care which is hard to maintain throughout School holidays. There are many other funds and opportunities available to schools such as;
For Schools interested in starting a mara kai, we welcome you to get in touch. We may be able to put you in touch with a local mara kai group who would love the help of a School group. Alternatively, if a School would like to plant on their own land, Schools are welcome to partner with a community group. The community group would be the applicant and therefore be responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the mara kai on the school grounds.
We may consider funding mara kai for Kindergartens, if it can be shown that a plan is in place to ensure the garden is substantially maintained throughout the year.
Q. Questions around projects on jointly owned land (e.g. whenua Māori)?
A. Garden/business projects on jointly owned land must either come from or have a letter of support from the owners/trustees of Māori Freehold land and have shareholder support. Apply to the Kai Ora Fund if your project is about improving access to healthy kai and fits with the purpose and objectives of the Fund. If your project is not around kai or does not fit with the purpose of the Kai Ora fund go to Te Puni Kōkiri’s webpage on the Whenua Maori Fund for information on support to develop your whenua.
Q. Do applications need to cover all of the criteria?
A. No – projects do not need to cover every criterion listed. However, the project must fit with the vision and priorities of the fund. We encourage you to provide as much detail as possible about your project.
Q. Can I get a paper application form sent to me?
A. No, but we encourage you to contact us for support in submitting an application online.
Q. Can I apply after the deadline of 6 February 2024?
A. No – please get in touch with us before the closing date if you are having difficulties submitting on time.