James Henare Research Centre Kaupapa Kākano projects 2026

Whiria te tangata, ka puta te oranga

Whiria te mātauranga ka puta he tino rangatiratanga 

By weaving people, promote well-being

By weaving knowledge, promote excellence

Background:

In 2026, we will offer seed funding for three short-term kaupapa kākano projects led by Māori investigators and/or Māori communities. These projects will support whānau, hapū and iwi across Te Tai Tokerau by strengthening relationships, responding to community-identified priorities, and enabling research that delivers meaningful impact for the rohe.

The Funding Opportunity:

Our objective is to build, strengthen, and nurture relationships across Te Tai Tokerau and deliver research that is grounded in local knowledge and aspirations. The kaupapa kākano projects are intended to enable communities and researchers to come together in ways that build trust, support collective capability, and generate outcomes that matter to those in the community. Researchers will be invited to share their unique Tai Tokerau research at the James Henare Research Centre Research Symposium, planned for October 2026.
Kaupapa Kākano projects should:
• scope toward a larger research initiative or future funding application
• be transdisciplinary (able to involve more than one discipline and community partners)
• include strong, meaningful Māori community involvement
• focus on significant matters/research importance to Te Tai Tokerau
• be led or co-led by a Māori early career researcher

How to Apply:

 Please click here to download:

1. Kaupapa Kākano information sheet (read this before applying – full details are listed here) 

2. Kaupapa Kākano Application form 

Please email the completed application form (with budget) to jhmrc@auckland.ac.nz