Mahinga Kai Enhancement Fund

The Mahinga Kai Enhancement Fund supports projects that protect, enhance, utilize and maintain mahinga kai areas, resources and species, and the rights of Ngāi Tahu to access these. The fund prioritizes projects that increase knowledge or activity in the practice of mahinga kai - the natural resources and practices that maintain Ngāi Tahu identity, culture, and tikanga. Mahinga kai encompasses the whenua, waters, coasts, oceans, flora and fauna and how Ngāi Tahu engage with these elements. The fund aims to revitalize the relationship between Ngāi Tahu and mahinga kai, establish protected areas, and ensure appropriate management according to Ngāi Tahu values. Projects should have support from local kaitiaki rūnanga/whānau and demonstrate culturally appropriate management frameworks. The fund particularly favors projects in areas where Ngāi Tahu maintain statutory authority and those involving tribally significant mahinga kai places and species.