Second grant round update
December 2025
The Workforce Futures Fund | Tahua Rāngaimahi Anamata Board has completed decisions for the second grant round. We are progressing negotiations with five proposals that demonstrate innovation, collaboration, and potential for significant workforce impact. Details of these projects will be published in the new year.
In total, 23 applications were received, seeking around $20 million in funding. This was fewer than Round One, which saw 31 applications requesting $23 million, but reflected a sharper focus and stronger alignment with the fund’s priorities.
Applicants were required to liaise with the Executive Officer before submitting their applications. Sue McCabe the previous EO spoke with approx. 77 applicants and liaised with more over email. This ensured that only applications meeting the Fund’s criteria moved forward, while also giving applicants the chance to refine their ideas, reduce unnecessary effort, and ultimately strengthen the overall quality of submissions.
A Grants Assessment Panel with representatives from the eight eligible workforces assessed the applications prior to the Board making funding decisions. Board Chair Jane Wrightson acknowledged the dedication of the panel and highlighted the particularly strong quality of applications in this round. The Board also noted that the panel showed increased confidence in the process compared to the first round.
Outcomes
Five projects have been approved for support over the next 2.5 years. Four will be funded in full, while one will be supported to prepare a feasibility study to allow refinement of the application before resubmitting the proposal in round three.
Successful applications were those that:
Showed clear innovation, even where there was some risk.
Demonstrated potential for medium‑term and large impact.
Offered wide benefits across sectors and industries.
Address areas of high need or opportunity.
Had strong industry support and evidence of demand.
Key considerations
In making decisions, the Board prioritised:
Innovation and impact across and within sectors.
Evidence of need and industry support for the proposed solutions.
Sustainability beyond the funding period.
The Board was also mindful of the increased use of AI in applications and the importance of clear project scope and budgets.
Looking ahead
Evaluation is already underway to inform Round Three. This includes feedback from applicants, the panel, peak bodies, and the Board itself. A Board meeting in February 2026 will consider this evaluation and approve changes based on what we’ve learned together. Round Three is scheduled to open in late February.
Future guidance will emphasise:
Preference for projects that can be completed within two years.
Clearer guidelines for applications with AI components.
Reinforcement that funding is not available for business‑as‑usual activity.
Stronger evidence of demand and feasibility for digital hub proposals.
Continued focus on priority audiences, particularly Māori, Pasifika, and disabled workers.
Next steps
Contracts with successful applicants are now being developed, and details of funded projects will be published on our website in the new year. The Board reiterated its commitment to supporting innovation in workforce development, collaboration across sectors, and projects that build or improve service delivery.
We are proud of the progress made in this second round. Each application reflected the passion and creativity of people working to strengthen Aotearoa’s workforce. We look forward to sharing more about successful projects soon.