Championing Diversity and Legacy: Mātātuhi Foundation Announces 2025 Grant Recipients
Funding empowers accessibility, children’s engagement, and Māori literary innovation across Aotearoa.
The Mātātuhi Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 funding round, supporting three outstanding projects that will enrich Aotearoa New Zealand’s literary landscape. This year’s grants reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to fostering sustainable platforms, engaging young readers, and preserving and expanding our literary legacy.
2025’s funded projects are:
Arts Access: Funding to develop and maintain a publicly accessible database showcasing the published works of Deaf and disabled writers in Aotearoa New Zealand, increasing visibility and access for underrepresented voices.
Dunedin Readers and Writers Festival: Funding for the new Kaituna Kids Programme at the South Dunedin Library, featuring local New Zealand authors and inspiring a new generation of readers.
Ngā Kaituhi Māori – The Collective of Māori Writers: Funding to establish a national wānanga for new and emerging te reo Māori writers, creating a lasting platform for Māori literary talent.
Since its launch in 2018, the Mātātuhi Foundation has invested over $550,000 in nearly 70 projects, supporting everything from recognising excellence to digital resources, community initiatives and the preservation of New Zealand’s literary heritage.
"This year’s recipients exemplify the power of literature to connect, empower, and inspire. By supporting projects that champion accessibility, nurture young readers, and uplift Māori voices, we’re investing in a literary future that truly reflects the diversity and richness of Aotearoa." - Anne Blackburn, Chair, Mātātuhi Foundation
The Foundation welcomes applications from individuals, groups, and organisations with a strong track record in project delivery and measurable outcomes. For more information on funding criteria and future application rounds, visit matatuhifoundation.co.nz.
ENDS