About RUIA

RUIA was designed to enable rangatahi, their whānau and their tuakana to identify and create ways to support rangatahi wellbeing, intergenerational leadership, succession planning and cultural development.

A unique partnership between Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu, Rātā Foundation and Ministry of Youth Development, RUIA directly responds to the aspirations of rangatahi in Te Waipounamu, Rakiura and Rēkohu/Wharekauri. The RUIA whakataukī reflects our collective goal of supporting rangatahi wellbeing, intergenerational leadership, succession planning, cultural development and access to initiatives that support rangatahi growth and development.

RUIA – meaning to plant, to sow, or to establish a foundation to develop – was founded in 2019 on the principle that rangatahi should be part of the decision-making process.

Applications for the 2023 funding round are now closed. If you have any pātai, please email RUIA@teputahitanga.org.

“E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea. I will never be lost, for I am a seed sown in Rangiātea.”

How to apply

Funding rounds are held annually, and applications are accepted from rangatahi, whānau, groups and organisations in Te Waipounamu, Rakiura and Rēkohu/Wharekauri that require funding to bring their ideas and/or initiatives for rangatahi Māori aged 12-24 years to life.

All applications must align with one of the seven universal principles (Pou) that underpin the fund.

  • Whānau Ora – wellbeing within the context of the whānau
  • Te Ao Māori – culture and identity
  • Mana-Tangata – Leadership and self-determination
  • Wānanga – Learning, connectivity, participating
  • Te Ao Tūroa – Mahinga Kai, Natural Environment and Sustainability
  • Auahatanga – Innovation and Enterprise
  • Te Pūtake – Strengthening capability and responsiveness.

Applications for the 2023 funding round are now closed.

Enquire about our Ruia fund

He pātai āu? Have you got a question, give us a call, or send us your pātai