Election 2026: Greens propose $2.4b funding to back ‘critical’ marae
The New Zealand Green Party has proposed a $2.44 billion trust to fund marae, aiming to support their role as critical infrastructure during emergencies and for long-term community development. The trust would be governed by iwi and hapū to ensure self-determination.
Why it matters
This proposal highlights a significant policy shift toward funding indigenous community infrastructure and climate resilience in New Zealand.
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson. Photo / RNZ, Baz Macdonald
The Green Party is campaigning on establishing a $2.44 billion trust dedicated to marae.
Co-leader Marama Davidson said marae were critical infrastructure and needed funding certainty to continue their work responding to weather emergencies and supporting communities.
Te Rangatiratanga Trust would be owned and governed by hapū and iwi, with $2.44b of Government investment over four years.
There would be two funds within that: the $2b Te Tōtara Haemata Intergenerational Fund, dedicated to long-term investment in marae and their communities; and the $400 million Te Rākau Whakarauora Restoration Fund, which would provide immediate access to funding for urgent needs.
The trust would cost about $40m to set up and run.
Davidson said the intergenerational fund could return between $47m and $118m once it had matured.
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