Pacific communities in New Zealand can now apply for the first round of the Pacific Languages Community Fund for 2026/27.
The Ministry for Pacific Peoples says up to NZ$1.305 million, excluding GST, is available across two funding rounds to support language projects.
The fund backs community-led work that helps people learn and use Pacific languages. Activities can include conversation groups, classes, immersion experiences and resources that support language use within families.
Applications must meet at least one of three priorities: supporting Tokelauan, Niuean or Cook Islands Māori, operating mainly outside Auckland and Wellington, or increasing language use across generations.
Projects meeting more than one priority will receive stronger consideration during assessment.
For families, churches and community groups, the opportunity is to turn language learning into something people can practise together.
Applicants should check the ministry’s funding page for the full eligibility requirements, deadlines and application process before preparing a submission.
