Whakamana Tangata
Strengthening kaupapa Māori for-purpose organisations to grow, connect, and thrive
Whakamana Tangata
- Monthly pānui and regular updates
- A trusted team grounded in Māori values
- One‑on‑one tailored support
- Workshops and wānanga (in‑person and online)
- Practical templates, resources, and funding guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Do we need to be a registered charity to join?
No. We support organisations at all stages, including those setting up their legal structure.
What does “funding fit” mean?
Having the systems, governance, and financial processes in place to meet funder criteria and confidently apply for funding.
Is there a limit to how many workshops we can attend?
No. Members are welcome to attend as many workshops as are relevant to them.
Can you help with writing a funding application?
Yes. Through our Poutama strand, we provide step‑by‑step support to develop and review funding applications. This includes creating funding plans, connecting with local community funders, refining budgets, and supporting grant writing.
Reviews:
Cost:
$0
Mā te huruhuru, te manu ka rere
With the right support, we will thrive
Whakamana Tangata supports kaupapa Māori for-purpose organisations to grow their capability and confidence in accessing, securing, and managing funding. We walk alongside kaupapa Māori organisations to strengthen their systems, knowledge, and connections so they can deliver sustainable, culturally grounded services to whānau and communities.
What:
Whakamana Tangata offers a tailored support programme through four service strands:
PURAPURA – Information, resources, and workshops on funding and systems.
TŪĀPAPA – One‑on‑one support to build strong governance structures and financial systems to become “funding fit.”
POUTAMA – Step‑by‑step guidance to prepare and submit funding applications.
PIRINGA – Strengthening collaboration and expanding networks within the Māori kaupapa for‑purpose sector.
Our services draw on a collective of SociaLink advisory support, including organisational advice, financial guidance, funding expertise, and community insights (working with data).
Why:
We provide support designed specifically for the unique needs, culture, and aspirations of Māori for‑purpose organisations. By working alongside kaupapa Māori services, we help build capacity and capability, strengthening the delivery of their services within a connected and culturally grounded network.
Who it’s for:
We serve small to medium kaupapa Māori not‑for‑profit or for‑purpose organisations operating in the Western Bay of Plenty.
Cost:
FREE
(Note: Some training courses may have a small fee).
Waiaria Rameka
Kairuruku
As Senior Coordinator of Whakamana Tangata, Waiaria feels privileged to support Māori communities in navigating the funding landscape, offering guidance and resources to help them achieve their goals.
Click to view Waiaria’s bio.
Paula Beilby
Kairuruku
Paula brings experience in small business, facilitation, and coaching to support Māori community organisations. She’s passionate about helping groups build strong systems and navigate funding processes step by step
Click to view Paula’s bio.
Our Hapū have found it frustrating to identify funding pathways to support our kaupapa and this programme has been a great help.
– Tuapiro Marae
Getting set up as a charitable trust, and helping us to write our trust deed – the team gave us advice and encouraged us to press on and achieve our goals as a board.
– Nga Matarae Anamata Trust
The difference is they get where we are coming from when it comes to what we do and how we do it. So we don’t have to explain tikanga, because they already know. It is so much more
efficient…..Also they have got an understanding of how things work so they can help us translate what we need into a language that the funders need.
– Anonymous (Momentum Research & Evaluation)
They are quite active, the Whakamana Tangata staff. They are always checking in and seeing how we are going. Very proactive. My experience with Whakamana Tangata is that they have come to us – they are actively seeking out Māori organisations that are needing assistance.
– Anonymous (Momentum Research & Evaluation)
They provide a really good supportive service. Since we are connected with SociaLink people in there are always there to reach out with a helping hand.
– Anonymous (Momentum Research & Evaluation)
They connected us with staff in TECT and BayTrust and started the initial contact with funders and the staff. They were there at our first meeting to introduce us and to help [the funders] understand what we are doing so that we can find the best way forward. We have maintained really good relationships with them [Whakamana Tangata and SociaLink] and they have been really helpful in putting funding applications forward.
– Anonymous (Momentum Research & Evaluation)
One thing I valued with SociaLink were the Māori staff they have there. They have a Māori kaupapa around assisting
Māori applicants.
– Anonymous (Momentum Research & Evaluation)