Inati Tahua

At Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, we believe everyone should have the opportunity to access education and achieve their learning goals.

Inati Tahua | Tauira Access Fund helps remove financial barriers that may prevent tauira from starting or continuing their studies. The fund provides support towards programme fees for tauira experiencing financial circumstances that may affect their ability to participate in learning.

We recognise that financial circumstances can affect people in different ways, and that asking for support can sometimes feel difficult. Inati Tahua is designed to provide fair and equitable support to eligible tauira so more people can access education and succeed in their learning journey.

Inati Tahua will cover 100% of an eligible programme fee for successful applicants. Funding is provided to help reduce financial barriers that may prevent tauira from participating in learning.

Inati Tahua supports eligible programme fees only. It does not provide funding for:

• Living costs

• Accommodation costs

• Travel or transport expenses

• Devices, laptops, or technology equipment

• Course materials or textbooks

• Childcare expenses

• Cash payments to tauira

• Reimbursement of fees already paid.

Approved funding is applied directly to eligible programme fees held by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.

If you have enrolled in an eligible programme, we will contact you with the application form and key information. Before starting your application, please make sure you:

• Have your Tauira ID number available

• Can provide information about any other financial assistance you have applied for or received (for example, StudyLink, scholarships, iwi grants, or employer support)

• Have any supporting information or documents you would like us to consider

• Understand that funding is limited and applications are assessed against the fund criteria.

The application form will take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to complete.

As part of your application, you'll be asked to tell us about your circumstances and how programme fees may affect your ability to begin or continue your studies. This may include information about:

• Financial pressures or hardship

• Household income

• Dependants or whānau responsibilities

• Caring responsibilities

• Changes to employment or income

• Other barriers affecting your participation in study.

The application includes both multiple-choice questions and opportunities for you to tell us about your situation in your own words.

The information you provide will be used to assess your eligibility for the fund and support our decision-making process. Your information will be managed in accordance with our Privacy Statement.

For questions about the fund, your application, or available support services:

• Email tataupounamu@twoa.ac.nz

• Call 0800 355 553

• Speak with your local Tauira Support Advisor.

Our kaimahi can help answer questions about eligibility, the application process, and available support options.