Waikato-Tainui Social Investment Fund

Te Akura

Te Akura Whakaaweawe: a tribal social investment fund that channels collective aspirations on investment to create long term social impact.

Te Akura is the Waikato-Tainui Social Investment Fund, designed to invest in initiatives that create Whakatupuranga 2050 outcomes for our iwi. Unlike traditional grants and distributions, Te Akura supports kaupapa that can generate long-term impact while enabling funds to be replenished and reinvested over time. This means that for each dollar we put into a kaupapa, we need to get that dollar back so we can continue to invest in new kaupapa.

Te Akura is also different from traditional investments. It is impact first, which means partnering with Te Akura is about more than money. It is about walking alongside our people to grow ideas, strengthen capability, and invest in a thriving future for our iwi.

We are taking a phased approach to ensure each investment stream is designed, tested and supported effectively. The rollout will occur in three stages:

  • Phase One: Marae – initial focus on marae-based investment opportunities.
  • Phase Two: Pakihi – development of investment pathways for Waikato-Tainui pakihi.
  • Phase Three: Whaanau – development of scalable programmes that support whaanau households, such as financial wellbeing initiatives.

We are currently at Phase One. This approach allows us to continually learn, refine the process, and provide the best possible experience for applicants. It also ensures the right tools, guidance and support are available as each investment stream becomes available.

The Marae Readiness Assessment below is an expression of interest only. This is an opportunity to share your Marae’s interest in Te Akura, tell us more about your Marae aspirations, and help us understand what support may be useful to consider future opportunities. It also doesn’t mean your marae needs to be ready for investment now but identifies that your marae is interested in Te Akura. Completing the assessment does not create any obligation to apply.

Building Investment Readiness workshops

Attend a Te Akura Marae Workshop to learn more before you begin – sessions run through August.

Check workshop dates & register
Te Rauiri Investment Approach diagram, shown full size.

Te Akura process

Apply

Identify Opportunity

  • Applicant submits Readiness Assessment form

Readiness Confirmed

  • All documentation received
  • Application form sent

Early Assessment

  • Applicant submits Application form

Eligible to Proceed

  • Readiness Assessment received
  • Complete Proposal confirmed
Assess

Measure Impact

  • Logic Model applied

Due Diligence

  • Financial Due Diligence applied

Advisory Assessment

  • Receives documentation
  • Completes the Assessment Matrix
Approve

Approvals

  • Distribution Committee receive documentation and advisory recommendation
  • Te Arataura receive documentation, advisory recommendation and Distribution Committee endorsement
Deliver

Deliver Investment

  • Contract negotiations
  • Live investment

Recycle Capital

  • Investment funds returned through agreed repayments
  • Long-term social, cultural and economic outcomes achieved across generations

Marae Readiness Assessment

Frequently asked questions

About Te Akura

What is Te Akura Whakaaweawe?
Te Akura Whakaaweawe is Waikato-Tainui’s Social Investment Fund. It invests in initiatives that create long-term social, cultural and economic outcomes for our marae, pakihi and whaanau. Unlike traditional grants, Te Akura focuses on sustainable investment that can continue creating value for future generations.
What types of projects is Te Akura looking to invest in?
We’re looking for kaupapa that align with the aspirations of Whakatupuranga 2050 and demonstrate strong potential to create meaningful, long-term benefits for marae, pakihi and/or tribal whaanau. Every proposal is assessed against the Te Rauiri Five-Point Assessment Framework.

Who can apply & how it works

Who can apply?

Te Akura is available to eligible Waikato-Tainui marae, pakihi and tribal whaanau. For marae and pakihi, this may include investment into kaupapa, projects or initiatives that can create long-term impact and recycle capital. For tribal whaanau, Te Akura is focused on programmes or initiatives that can support a number of whaanau households at scale to improve their wellbeing over time.

We are releasing requests for applications in phases so each investment stream is designed, tested and supported effectively:

  • Phase One: Marae
  • Phase Two: Pakihi
  • Phase Three: Whaanau

We are currently at Phase One, so this Marae Readiness Assessment is open to marae only. Specific eligibility requirements vary depending on the investment stream and are outlined within each application pathway.

What’s the difference between a Readiness Assessment and the full application?
The Readiness Assessment is designed to help determine whether your kaupapa is ready to progress to a full investment proposal. It also helps our team identify where additional support may be needed before you invest significant time preparing a detailed application.
Does submitting a Readiness Assessment guarantee I’ll be invited to apply?
No. The Readiness Assessment helps us understand your kaupapa and its current level of readiness. Some applicants may be invited to submit a full application immediately, while others may receive feedback, capability support or recommendations before progressing.
Do I need to have everything completed before I apply?
Not necessarily. If you’re submitting a Readiness Assessment, we understand your idea may still be developing. The Readiness Assessment helps identify what’s already in place and what may need further development before progressing to a full application.
What information will I need to provide?
This depends on which stage you’re applying for. Generally, we’ll ask for information about you, your kaupapa, expected outcomes, governance and financial planning.

Support & assessment

Can Waikato-Tainui help me develop my proposal?
Yes. Depending on your kaupapa and its stage of development, our team may recommend workshops, specialist advice, capability-building opportunities or connections with subject matter experts to help strengthen your proposal.
How will my application be assessed?

Applications are assessed using the Te Rauiri Five-Point Assessment Framework:

  • Strategic Fit
  • Social Return
  • Recycle Path
  • Financial Due Diligence
  • Structure & Delivery

This ensures every proposal is assessed consistently, transparently and against the objectives of Te Akura.

How long does the assessment process take?
Assessment timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the proposal. Larger or more complex investments may require additional due diligence, specialist review or governance approvals. We’ll keep you informed throughout the process.
What if my application isn’t successful?
If your proposal isn’t approved, we’ll aim to provide feedback where appropriate. In some cases, your kaupapa may simply not be ready yet, and we may recommend further capability building, partnerships or future opportunities before you reapply.

Your information & ideas

Will my personal information remain confidential?
Yes. Your personal information will be managed in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020 and Waikato-Tainui’s Privacy Policy. Information is only accessed by authorised people involved in assessing and administering the investment process and, where necessary, approved specialist advisers who are bound by confidentiality obligations.
What happens to my idea or intellectual property?

Your ideas remain yours. We understand that many proposals contain unique concepts, business models, cultural knowledge and innovative approaches. Submitting a Readiness Assessment or application does not transfer ownership of your intellectual property to Waikato-Tainui.

Any information you share with us will only be used for the purposes of assessing your proposal and administering the Te Akura investment process. Where specialist advisers are involved, they will only receive information necessary for the assessment and will be subject to appropriate confidentiality and privacy obligations.

Working together & next steps

Can Te Akura invest alongside other funders?
Yes. We encourage collaboration where it strengthens outcomes. Co-funding or investment partnerships may be considered where they improve the overall impact, sustainability or delivery of your kaupapa.
Can my application be referred to another Waikato-Tainui programme?

Absolutely. Te Akura is one of many ways Waikato-Tainui supports the aspirations of our iwi. During the assessment process, we may identify that another grant, strategic project, capability-building initiative, investment pathway or organisational work stream is better suited to helping you achieve your kaupapa. If this happens, we’ll talk with you about the available options and work alongside you to connect you with the most appropriate support.

Our goal is to help your kaupapa succeed, even if Te Akura isn’t the right fit at this stage.

Who can I contact if I have questions?
If you’d like to discuss your kaupapa before applying or need help completing your Readiness Assessment or application, please contact aawhina@tainui.co.nz. We’re here to help you understand the process, answer questions and connect you with the right support where appropriate.