Māori Initiative Projects

This funding stream focuses on demonstrating Māori development and advancement through tertiary education. The typical level of funding for each project will be approximately $100k (ranging from ~$50k-$150k) GST inclusive. During 2010 the Māori Initiative Projects funding stream will fund two projects through an open round, and two projects through an RFP process.

Priority Areas for Open Round

Applications to the Māori Initiative Projects open stream will be accepted in the two areas below only. We hope to fund one project in each priority area. Projects in the open stream are selected by an independent selection panel.

• Kaupapa Māori approaches to tertiary education - a cross sector framework to enhance the outcomes of Māori learners

Preference will be given to projects that build on the work of Hei Tauira e.g. successful practice in a pan-iwi context and/or pathways from kaupapa Māori learning environments in the compulsory sector through to tertiary education.

• Measuring the impact of tertiary education on Māori learners, their whanau and communities

Projects that identify measures that can be used to examine the value-add of successful tertiary education and can inform future improvement of practice

Key Dates: Open Round

• Expressions of interest close 5pm Friday 23 July 2010
• Applicants notified of results Friday 20 August 2010
• Full Proposals close 5pm Friday 8 October 2010
• Applicants notified of results Friday 29 October 2010

Requests for Proposals

Ako Aotearoa will be accepting RFPs in the two following areas. Proposals will be reviewed by Ako Aotearoa National Office staff and short-listed applicants will be asked to meet with a selection panel who will make a final decision. Ako Aotearoa will establish a small reference group who will have oversight of the work as it progresses. 

• Building Participation and Success for Māori Learners in Under-represented Areas of Tertiary Education
  We are seeking to fund a project that aims to implement new, or expand existing interventions to raise the participation and success rates of Māori learners.

RFP Document - Building Participation and Success

• Assessment and Moderation for te reo Māori in Tertiary Education
  We are seeking to fund a project that examines effective assessment and moderation practices that support the learning of te reo Māori.

RFP Document - Assessment and Moderation

Please note - project teams submitting a proposal to the RFPs are not expected to use the standard NPF application forms.

Key Dates: RFP Projects

• Applications close 5pm Friday 1 October 2010
• Applicants notified of results 18 October 2010
• Panel meeting for Building Participation and Success for Māori Learners in Under-represented Areas of Tertiary Education 18 November 2010
• Panel meeting for Assessment and Moderation for te reo Māori in Tertiary Education 19 November 2010

Selection Criteria

The selection criteria for Māori Initiative Projects are similar to those for Research and Implementation Projects; however these criteria are expressed through our Ako framework to reflect a Māori worldview.

• Taunaki: There is a clear evidence-based need for the project.
• Whakamana: The project has potential to contribute to existing knowledge of effective teaching and learning.
• Kairangi: The project design is appropriate and robust.
• Kaitiakitanga: The project represents good value for money.
• Akoranga and Whakaakoranga: The project has potential to impact on practice for enhanced learner benefit
• Whakapapa, Whanaungatanga:The project team exhibits the capability to complete the project

> more information about the National Project Fund

 Selection Panels