All HRC funding rounds are open to Māori health research and researchers. In addition, we have dedicated funding for Māori health research through our Rangahau Hauora Māori research investment stream and the opportunities below. For all upcoming funding opportunities, please refer to our Funding Calendar.
Rangahau Hauora Māori research investment stream
The purpose of this research investment stream is to build an evidence base which contributes to Māori health gains. Research funded through this stream is derived from high-quality Māori health research that upholds rangatiratanga (Māori leadership) and advances Māori knowledge, resources and people. This is research that values Māori worldviews and builds Māori research capacity and leadership.
Research funded through this stream is expected to demonstrate a commitment to the core values of mana, tika, manaakitanga and whakapapa, and recognise that Māori health research teams operate within the broader context of their communities. The distinctive features of research in scope for the HRC's Rangahau Hauora Māori funding can be found in this Investment Stream document.
The Rangahau Hauora Māori investment stream is applicable to all the rounds we run annually, including:
Emerging Researcher First Grants
People-focused funding
We also have a number of career development awards available to specifically support the growth and development of the Māori health research workforce. See below for opportunities specific to Māori health researchers.
Māori Health Research Summer Studentships
Rangahau Hauora Training Grant
Māori Health Research Masters Scholarships
Māori Health Research PhD Scholarships
Māori Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowships
Māori Health Research Emerging Leader Fellowship
Māori Health Research Development Grant
Māori Health Research Knowledge Translation Grant
Ngā Kanohi Kitea funding round update
Since 2010, the Health Research Council (HRC) has administered and distributed money from the Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund on behalf of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) through our Ngā Kanohi Kitea grants (known as the Ngā Kanohi Kitea Community Advancement Fund from 2022 onwards).
MBIE replaced the Vision Mātauranga Capability Fund with the He Ara Whakahihiko Capability Fund on 29 May 2025. The new He Ara Whakahihiko fund is designed to support economic growth by investing in and growing Māori science, innovation and technology.
While we work through these changes, we have paused this year’s Ngā Kanohi Kitea funding round. We will provide an update on a new-look HRC funding mechanism using our component of the He Ara Whakahihiko fund later in 2025.