The Research Scholarship funds both new and ongoing projects from a range of fields, including creative arts, social sciences, and applied sciences. Read about our current and past scholarship recipients.
We are pleased to announce that as of 2026, the Authority has partnered with the Māori Education Trust (MET) to increase financial support for research on the Tūpuna Maunga. MET are the largest national scholarship provider for Māori secondary and tertiary students and have awarded 65,000 scholarships since 1963.
The TMA Research Scholarship is jointly funded, with TMA and MET each providing $10,000. Successful applications that meet MET criteria will be jointly funded by the Authority and MET. Successful applicants that do not meet the criteria of MET will be funded solely by the Authority. Applicants can apply for up to $10,000 in funding.
Timeframe
- Applications open 29 June 2026 and close 11:59 pm 30 August 2026.
Who is eligible?
- You must be a member of a research or education institution.
- You must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
- Research must align with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority Research Policy and approved approved project list.
Research project proposals must consider:
- The spiritual, ancestral, cultural, customary, and historical significance of the Tūpuna Maunga to Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau as found in the Integrated Management Plan
- The potential impact of the research project such as, on the Maunga, the public, cultural values.
- The value of the project to the Tūpuna Maunga. All projects should aim enhance the mana and wellbeing of the Maunga.
Expectations
- Bi-monthly check-ins required with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority research scholarship lead.
- A final research report submitted to the Tūpuna Authority research scholarship lead.
Apply through SmartyGrants
If you are applying for a scholarship, submit your application via SmartyGrants. Successful scholarship applicants will be awarded a research permit automatically.
Documents to supply with your application
It is important to provide all the requested information as part of your application, so that we can process it efficiently.
| Research Scholarship | |
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Project plan |
We will ask you to discuss your project plan within your application |
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Site map |
Yes, if known |
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Health and safety plan |
Will be required if your application is successful |
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Waste management plan |
Will be required if your application is successful |
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Letters of support or consultation |
Not required, but can be included if they are beneficial to the application |
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Associated permits or regulatory approvals |
If instructed by the permit coordinator |