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.

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’re also heavily dependent on nature for our economic prosperity, yet there’s increased evidence that our natural resources and ecosystems are under significant pressure from threats such as land use change, invasive species, and climate change.

Regenerating ecosystems and supporting the development of nature markets are essential for preserving natural resources and ensuring their longevity, maintaining our national identity and cultural heritage. We believe nature-based solutions and markets play a critical role in mitigating and adapting to climate change, while creating pathways for nature to fund its own recovery.

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.

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 that restore and protect New Zealand’s natural environment, with a particular emphasis on marine and coastal ecosystems. For example, the Hauraki Gulf. This includes mussel reef restoration, invasive species response, and the recovery of habitats like seagrass meadows, saltmarshes, and shellfish reefs.

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 markets

Projects that help to shape the future of nature-based markets in Aotearoa, to support the restoration and protection of Aotearoa’s natural environment. These can help to create new ways for businesses and communities to invest in native species restoration, biodiversity, and carbon sequestration.

We support the supply of quality projects, such as native forest regeneration and coastal blue carbon projects. We also support the development of the systems that underpin a thriving nature market, positioning Aotearoa to attract investment, drive climate resilience, and unlock new opportunities.

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.