Pūtea Manaaki (Hardship Grant)

The Pūtea Manaaki Hardship Grant is designed to provide financial support for registered Ngāi Tahu members experiencing financial hardship. The grant aims to assist tribal members who are unable to meet their minimum living expenses while guiding them towards self-management. Financial hardship is defined as a situation where individuals cannot meet their minimum living expenses, which include basic food, accommodation, utilities, transportation, medical costs, and other essential needs. The grant provides up to $500 for families with up to two dependents or up to $750 for families with three or more dependents. Applications are limited to once every 12 months and can be submitted year-round through the Te Kopa Ora grants portal. Eligible applicants must be registered Ngāi Tahu members over 18 years old, with Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu staff excluded from eligibility.