Round Four Update

September 2026

Round Four of the Workforce Futures Fund | Tahua Rāngaimahi Anamata has closed with 35 applications, together seeking close to $27 million in funding. This is likely to be the Fund's final formal funding round, with $4 million available to distribute. 

"The response to Round Four shows just how much commitment and fresh thinking there is across our workforces," says Board Chair Jane Wrightson. "With applications seeking almost seven times the funding available, the Panel and Board have some tough decisions ahead. We're particularly encouraged by the strength of proposals from Māori-led, Pacific-led and Disabled people-led organisations, who are so often closest to the solutions our workforces need." 

Our priorities for this round 

In line with our funding strategy, and in direct response to our evaluation findings, Round Four will actively prioritise: 

• Māori-led initiatives 

• Pacific-led initiatives 

• Disabled people-led initiatives 

These remain a priority because Māori-led, Pacific-led and Disabled people-led organisations hold the expertise, relationships and potential solutions to some of our most pressing workforce challenges. 

Who applied 

Just under 70 organisations engaged with us in the lead-up to the round, resulting in 35 applications spanning all of the Fund's eligible sectors. Projects range from workforce capability and leadership programmes to digital tools and platforms, sector-specific training pathways, and initiatives building culturally responsive, Kaupapa Māori and Pacific-led practice across the workforce. 

Many applications explicitly target Māori, Pacific and Disabled workers across multiple sectors. This reflects strong alignment with the Fund's priorities, and a wider commitment across the sector to community wellbeing and large-scale impact. 

What happens next 

All eligible applications will now go through the Fund's assessment process. The Grants Assessment Panel, with representatives from each eligible workforce, will review proposals and make recommendations to the Board for final decisions. 

We expect to notify all applicants of the outcome by mid-December 2026. Details of funded projects will be published once every applicant has been informed. 

Thank you to everyone who put time and effort into an application this round, and to our Grants Assessment Panel members for their time and expertise in reviewing them. 

You can read about the projects funded to date on our Who we have funded page.