Waka ama (outrigger canoeing) holds deep cultural significance in Aotearoa New Zealand. Connected to Māori and Pacific migration traditions, waka ama clubs are found throughout New Zealand — in both urban and coastal communities. As both a sport and a cultural practice, waka ama attracts funding from sport, culture, and Māori and Pasifika development sources. This guide covers the key funding available to waka ama organisations.
Waka Ama New Zealand (WANZ) is the national governing body for outrigger canoeing in New Zealand.
Key programmes:
- Club development: Resources and support for affiliated clubs
- Junior waka ama: Youth development programmes
- Women's waka ama: Investment in women's participation and competition
- High performance: Pathways to national and world championship competition
- Coaching and officiating development: Coach accreditation
Access: WANZ works through affiliated clubs and regional associations. Contact WANZ for guidance on Sport NZ investment and available support for your club.
Sport NZ funds Waka Ama New Zealand and regional sport trusts.
Community access:
- Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa Fund: Community-led physical activity — waka ama clubs with accessible programmes can apply
- Regional sport trusts may support waka ama through community sport development
Waka ama's deep connection to Māori culture opens access to Māori development funding:
Te Puni Kōkiri (Ministry for Māori Development): Invests in Māori culture, language, and community wellbeing — waka ama as a vehicle for cultural connection, health, and identity.
Māori Trustee grants and iwi development funds: Some iwi and hapū fund waka ama as a cultural and community development activity.
Te Waka (Te Puni Kōkiri regional offices): Regional Māori development investment that may support waka ama clubs in their area.
Māori Land Court — Ahu Whenua trust funds: Some trusts have community grants that support waka ama.
Waka ama is also significant in Pacific Island cultures. Pasifika-specific funding:
Ministry for Pacific Peoples: Grants for Pacific community development, including cultural sport and recreation.
Pacific community organisations: Some Pacific community bodies fund cultural sport and recreation.
Pasifika arts and cultural festivals: Waka ama is sometimes featured in Pacific festival contexts.
Gaming trusts are an accessible and important funding source for waka ama clubs.
Key trusts:
- New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT)
- The Lion Foundation
- Pub Charity
- Pelorus Trust
- Regional gaming trusts
What gaming trusts fund for waka ama:
- Waka (OC1, OC2, OC6 canoes)
- Paddles and equipment
- Life jackets and safety gear
- Boat trailers and transport
- Junior development programmes
- Competition entry fees and travel
- Shed and storage facilities
The Lottery Grants Board funds sport facilities and equipment.
For waka ama:
- Waka purchases (major equipment)
- Shed and storage construction or improvement
- Programme development
Community trusts in each region may fund waka ama as both sport and cultural development:
- Foundation North (Auckland): Auckland has a large waka ama community
- Acorn Foundation (Waikato): Regional sport and community
- Toi Foundation (Bay of Plenty): Coastal community sport and culture
Waka ama has documented health benefits — physical fitness, mental wellbeing, cultural connection, and community belonging — particularly for Māori and Pasifika communities who experience health disparities.
Framing waka ama applications around health and wellbeing outcomes (not just sport) opens access to:
- Health promotion funders
- Community wellbeing grants
- Te Puni Kōkiri health and wellbeing investment
- Community trusts with health priorities
Strong waka ama applications demonstrate:
- Cultural significance: Waka ama's connection to Māori and Pacific cultural identity
- Community reach: Broad participation — youth, women, elders, diverse ages
- Health outcomes: Physical and mental health benefits for Māori and Pasifika communities
- Safety: Water safety protocols, life jackets, qualified coaches
- Equipment specifics: Justification for waka purchases with expected participation numbers
- Club governance: Sound management, active membership, financial stability
Tahua's grants management platform helps cultural and sport organisations manage their grant applications, track reporting requirements, and demonstrate the cultural and community outcomes that funders value.