Co-Designing Equitable Funding Approaches Using Indigenous Frameworks

In a pivotal move to challenge longstanding barriers in the funding system, the West Auckland Funders Meeting marked a breakthrough moment in the region’s quest for more equitable and inclusive funding practices. This transformative meeting, led by the West Auckland Together (WAT) collective, brought together a diverse group of key funders—SkyCity, Auckland Council, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), Foundation North, Sport Waitākere (Tu Manawa), The Trusts, and JR McKenzie—alongside the West Auckland Māori Thought Leadership Collective and the Le Moana West Collective, representing Māori and Pasifika communities, respectively. The goal: to co-design funding processes that work for all, with a particular focus on ensuring that Māori and Pasifika voices shape the decisions that affect their communities.

The WAT collective’s decision to unite these stakeholders was driven by the understanding that systemic barriers—whether through complex application processes, cultural misalignment, or lack of community representation—have long made it difficult for Māori and Pasifika organizations to access the resources they need. The solution? A collaborative co-design process, anchored in the Hautū Waka framework. This indigenous approach emphasizes relationships, rhythm, and complexity, offering an alternative to the top-down, one-size-fits-all funding model.

The Hautū Waka framework guided participants through a unique process that reimagined funding as a collaborative effort, grounded in the needs and aspirations of Māori and Pasifika communities. It’s not just about changing a system; it’s about transforming the way that system operates—building from the ground up, honoring cultural values, and engaging directly with those impacted. This co-design process invited funders to step away from traditional power structures and, instead, work in partnership with communities to co-create solutions that promote self-determination and long-term, sustainable support.

One of the key insights that emerged from the meeting was the recognition that the funding system itself often creates barriers, particularly for Māori and Pasifika communities. Many organizations feel that they are not entitled to funding or struggle to navigate the complex, formalized processes. Funders and community leaders engaged in candid conversations about how the system can be made more inclusive, with an emphasis on simplifying processes, using accessible language, and aligning funding strategies to reflect the lived experiences of these communities.

Ruta Tonumaivao, Engagement and Collaboration Lead for the Le Moana West Collective and co-founder of Tapasā, played a pivotal role in advocating for Pasifika communities, ensuring their voices and needs were heard. Her leadership underscored the importance of shifting power dynamics within the funding landscape, focusing on building relationships, trust, and cultural understanding. One of the key challenges raised was the communication barrier, with high-level, formal language often alienating communities unfamiliar with the technicalities of funding applications. Ruta’s advocacy called for funders to rethink their approach—prioritizing clearer, more accessible language that speaks to the core values of Pasifika communities.

As a result of the co-design discussions, funders committed to exploring a "one process, multi-funder" approach—a collaborative model that aligns different funders’ requirements and streamlines the application process. This approach will eliminate the confusion caused by multiple, inconsistent processes and create clearer pathways for organizations to access funding. It’s a commitment to making the funding system more responsive, flexible, and supportive of long-term partnerships with communities.

The meeting ended with a renewed sense of hope and a shared commitment to rebuilding relationships, shifting power dynamics, and creating a more equitable funding environment. The WAT collective’s long-term vision for thriving Māori and Pacific communities was reinforced by a collective pledge to continue this work, with an emphasis on ensuring that Māori and Pasifika voices are not just heard, but actively shape the future of funding.

By embedding the Hautū Waka framework in the funding process, West Auckland Together has set a bold example for the future of equitable funding—a model that prioritizes cultural responsiveness, community leadership, and systems change. As funders take steps toward a more inclusive, flexible, and culturally aware funding system, the hope is that this approach will serve as a beacon for other regions, demonstrating the power of collaboration and co-design in creating lasting, transformative change.