Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou Grants
Whānau Support Fund (Aroha Fund)
The Aroha fund is a small fund to which members of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou can apply for support in times of hardship and for individual activities that fit the social, cultural, economic, spiritual and environmental objectives of Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou. The fund is open through out the year until the annual fund is depleted.
Category 1
To assist an individual or whānau in times of genuine hardship.
Category 2
To assist an individual or whānau to take part in a worthwhile opportunity for which they need financial support.
Click here for full details and application form.
Alternatively, contact the Rūnaka Office
Pūtea Manaaki Fund
The cost of electricity is weighing heavily on New Zealand households. Concern about electricity costs have climbed to 48% making it the second biggest concern after groceries (70%). Across the country, a survey by the Electricity Authority in July showed that approximately 40% of people said that they are not confident they will be able to manage their power bills in the next six months.
Māori households in New Zealand experience energy hardship at rates two to three times higher than the general population. This includes a higher likelihood of living in cold, damp homes, putting up with unheated rooms to save money, and struggling to pay utility bills on time, driven by factors like housing quality and income
The Pūtea Manaaki Hardship Grant provides support for registered Ōtākou members experiencing energy hardship. Up to $500 per whānau is available from 01 September 2026 to 31 January 2027.
Click here for full details and the application form.
Alternatively, contact the Rūnaka Office
PĀNUI: METHODIST PŪTEA GRANT 2027 IS NOW OPEN AS AT 21st SEPTEMBER 2026
The grant supports projects undertaken by Kāi Tahu rūnaka, whānau, and individuals that focus on preserving and enhancing the cultural, historical, and heritage needs of the iwi.
Historical Background.
This relationship is particularly significant at Ōtākou. During the 1990s, the Methodist Church returned ownership of the Ōtākou Memorial Church to Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou and made a koha of $210,000 from the proceeds of the sale of property at Kawarau Falls.
This capital fund has been protected, with income generated through investment administered by the Methodist Pūtea Komiti. The income is distributed through grants that benefit Kāi Tahu rūnaka, whānau, and individuals.
Invitation to make an application to the Methodist Pūtea Grant 2027
Category 1
Provide financial assistance for Kāi Tahu members engaged in theology and/or wairua related studies;
(Note: Such individuals must be members of and supported by their rūnaka, south of the Waitaki.)
Category 2
provide financial assistance for the upkeep of church buildings attached to Kāi Tahu marae and/or Rūnaka;
Who can apply:
1. Kāi Tahu Rūnaka located south of the Waitaki: Te Rūnanga ō Moeraki; Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki; Hokonui Rūnaka; Waihōpai Rūnaka; Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka; Awarua Rūnanga; Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou.
2. Whānau, Individual applications shall be considered from Kāi Tahu members affiliated with any of the above Rūnaka and must be endorsed in writing by their Rūnaka.
Applications close at 12 noon 31 March 2027
Alternatively, contact the Rūnaka Office