Manaaki Taiao grant

Following kaitiakitanga principles, we fund initiatives that focus on regenerating biodiversity in the face of increasing biodiversity loss and climate change.

We proactively look for organisations to fund and therefore don’t have defined funding rounds. If you meet our funding criteria get in touch or submit an expression of interest form. 

Guide for funding

Why biodiversity regeneration

New Zealand’s unique biodiversity is part of who we are – harvesting kai moana to share with our family and friends, spending our holidays at the beach and in the bush. Biodiversity provides essential ecosystem services for society and businesses. We are also heavily dependent on nature for our economic prosperity, yet there is increased evidence that our natural resources and ecosystems are under significant pressure from threats such as land use change, invasive species, and climate change.

Biodiversity regeneration is essential for preserving natural resources and ensuring their long-term sustainability, maintaining our national identity and cultural heritage. We believe that nature-based solutions play a critical role in mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Guide for funding

The Manaaki Taiao grant supports the regeneration of the natural environment and funds initiatives that help to protect and restore nature for the long-term. We are committed to supporting marine and coastal environmental initiatives in our upcoming funding partnerships.

Grant funds can only be used to support initiatives addressing BNZ Foundation’s focus areas, and cannot be used for the direct benefit of shareholders, owners, or members. The benefit must be for the public or communities.

We provide funding to:

  • New Zealand for-purpose organisations, either:
    • registered as a New Zealand charity, or
    • a social enterprise with social or environmental impact at the core of your business, that has been operating for at least a year
  • organisations based in, and working in New Zealand, for the benefit of New Zealand and New Zealanders.

What we fund

Marine ecosystem restoration

Projects aimed at regenerating coastal and marine biodiversity and habitats, including kelp forests, seagrass meadows, and reefs. This also includes the recovery of marine wildlife and ongoing biodiversity monitoring.

Ecosystem management

Projects such as habitat restoration, wildlife recovery and rehabilitation, biodiversity monitoring, or the eradication of invasive species, applicable to both terrestrial and marine environments.

Nature-based solutions

Innovative products, services, or research that support biodiversity and climate resilience. These can include technologies or tools designed to restore or protect ecosystems, or sequester carbon.

What we don’t fund

  • Initiatives or programmes that don’t align with BNZ Foundation’s focus areas.
  • Initiatives or programmes that BNZ is sponsoring.
  • Non-charitable or commercial ventures (except for social enterprises).
  • Individual applications or personal expenses.
  • Schools, early childhood services, medical and health research initiatives.
  • Infrastructure where the local or central government would be the natural source of funding.
  • Projects that promote religious or political objectives (except for organisation with a religious foundation that are furthering other charitable purposes).
  • Retrospective requests, debt repayment, fundraising activity appeals, commercial sponsorships or projects that create private benefit.

What makes a great partner

  • Collaboration with other stakeholders such as community-based organisations, landowners, iwi/hapū, government bodies, and other funders.
  • Respect for te ao Māori perspectives and values in caring for the environment.
  • A focus on outcomes that can be scaled or replicated (or potential), to have the greatest impact.
  • Has or will have partnerships with universities or research agencies and considers research an important project component.
  • Considers manaaki tangata (our other focus area).

We’re proud of our partnerships and the work being done to regenerate the natural environment and improve financial wellbeing.

Funding from BNZ Foundation can be used for programme funding (for example, to pilot new initiatives, or scale an existing programme), or can be used to cover operational expenses (for example, we will fund what it takes for you to do your mahi, or work), or a mix of both.

If successful, you’ll be asked to sign a grant agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of the grant. We will ask you to make a commitment that the funds we will give are used for these purposes only.

If you are a social enterprise, we will need to see evidence that you are purpose-driven with social or environmental impact at the core of your business (for example, in your organisation’s governing document such as a deed, constitution, or charter), and have been in operation for at least a year. You are welcome to contact us to discuss these requirements before submitting an expression of interest.

You do not need to be a BNZ customer to be eligible for a grant from BNZ Foundation.

The decision on funding is solely at the discretion of BNZ Foundation trustees and these decisions will be final. Each grant awarded will be based on its own merit, and final amounts will depend on the nature and needs of the successful applicants.

Was this page helpful?