1) Whānau contributions for property projects

The Board has confirmed the minimum whānau contribution settings for Trust initiated property projects. The contribution is calculated as a percentage of the total project cost, plus GST.

Minimum whānau contributions

Important note about changes requested by whānau

The Trust’s programme and budget are set to meet licensing requirements and standard designs. If whānau request changes that are in addition to the licensing requirements, including changes to standard designs, appliances, or changes after building consent is approved, whānau must pay the full cost of those changes. These costs are in addition to the minimum whānau project contribution.

2) 2026 Property Programme – approved by the Board

The Board has approved the 2026 Property Programme, which includes 39 projects with an estimated total value of approximately $26 million. This is a significant investment into our kōhanga, supporting safe, warm, fit for purpose spaces for mokopuna and whānau.

The programme will be delivered over the next couple of years. To view the approved programme, click here.
 

Next steps for kōhanga on the 2026 programme

Your District Manager, Kaitohu ā Rohe, will be in touch to organise an initial project hui with the Property team. At the hui we will work through the scope, expected programme and budget, the information required to progress the project, and the Kaupapa Property Agreement, including whānau responsibilities and future costs.

3) How to be considered for the 2027 programme

If your kōhanga is not included in the 2026 programme, there is still an opportunity to be considered for 2027.

The Property team will start developing the 2027 programme from 1 June 2026, with a view to presenting a recommended programme for Board approval at the December 2026 Board hui. To be considered, whānau will need to have their information and case ready by 1 June 2026.

What you should do now

We encourage whānau to start early in the new year, ideally from March 2026 or sooner, by working with your District Manager to develop your case and ensure key information is up to date, including:

1. Enrolments and forecast growth – it is essential to include your current wait list in Edge

2. Property condition and information, including plans where available

3. Where relevant, lease and landowner information, and any resource consents

We will send a follow up pānui early in the new year with a simple checklist and key dates to help whānau prepare for 2027, and to support kōhanga on the 2026 programme to get ready for the steps ahead.
 

Important eligibility note

As set out in the Property Policy, the Trust can only invest property funds in Trust owned property, or leased property where the lease is with the Trust and specifically requires the Trust to maintain the property. 

Whānau that are incorporated societies are not eligible for Trust property funding. The Trust can still support these whānau to complete property projects.

Ngā mihi,

Te Kōhanga Reo National Trust