Ngā Tini Whetu Fund

Purpose

Ngā Tini Whetu is an emergency fund to help support whānau to navigate the hardships of life, by providing financial support when most needed.

General Criteria for Funding Assistance:
Applicants must:

  1. Be a registered ROMST beneficiary aged 14 years or over.
  2. Submit one application per financial year (1 July – 30 June), up to a maximum of $250.
  3. Applications on behalf of children under 14 count as the applicant/guardian’s own annual allocation.
  4. Provide a quote, invoice, or bill from a supplier (funds are paid directly to suppliers, not whānau).
  5. Allow up to two weeks for processing (urgent cases may be considered with direct contact).
  6. Applicants must have a MāoriME profile to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: Individuals may only apply through EITHER Ngā Tini Whetu OR our Sponsorship Fund for a singular kaupapa, not through both funding pools.

We have a limited number of Ngā Tini Whetu grants to allocate to whānau, once we reach this allocation, applications will close until the Ngā Tini Whetu grant reopens the next year.



Close-off:
Applications close 1 November (or when all allocations have been used, whichever comes first) and re-open 1 February. Applications will not be processed during this period.

For more information contact the Taumata Hou team at info@ROMST.iwi.nz 


Eligible Costs Include (but are not limited to):

  • Power, water, or rates bills
  • Rent or bond
  • WOF or essential vehicle repairs
  • Firewood
  • Kura costs (uniform, fees)
  • Health-related costs (pharmacy, medical, dental, physio)


Exclusions: 

  • Alcohol and cigarettes
  • Cash payments
  • Any costs associated with participation in sporting, cultural, or other events that fall within the scope of the Sponsorship Fund (including travel, uniforms, equipment, or fees, regardless of whether the application was approved or declined under the Sponsorship Fund).
  • This includes self-selected or invitational participation in performances, showcases, festivals, or competitions, domestic or overseas.


Restrictions Across Funds:

  • Individuals may only apply through either Ngā Tini Whetu or the Sponsorship Fund for a singular kaupapa, not both.
  • Any kaupapa ineligible or declined under the Sponsorship Fund cannot be re-submitted through Ngā Tini Whetu.
CLICK HERE TO CREATE YOUR MĀORIME ONLINE PROFILE