In 2025, up to $75,000 is available to support strategic projects that demonstrate Aotearoa New Zealand publishing sector growth. The amount applicants apply for is up to them, with the number of successful recipients varying each year depending on the individual merits of the applications received.

Successful projects had clearly defined and measurable project outcomes that align with the Cultural Fund’s objectives, including projects that:

• Develop the professional skills of writers, including those who write for an education audience
• Seek to grow export markets for Aotearoa New Zealand published content
• Demonstrate innovation in the creation and distribution of Aotearoa New Zealand published content
• Diverse content that encourages Māori, Pacific Peoples and other minority and ethnic groups to submit within Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Use online platforms to enhance the profile of Aotearoa New Zealand publishing and/or published content, including to international/export markets

Other projects that demonstrated a positive impact on the Aotearoa New Zealand writing and publishing industry, and that meet the objectives of the Cultural Fund, will also be considered.

2025 Contestable Fund details:

To read more about our Selection Panel members, you can view them here >>

To learn more about previous recipients and how this award benefitted them, click here.

Helpful hint: Consider reading this 'Award Alchemy' article published in NZ Author Magazine (pdf). The article provides insight into submitting a great application.

About the Cultural Fund

The Cultural Fund derives its revenue from a 2% share of domestic licensing income and from overseas revenue that is non-title specific. The Cultural Fund invests in people and projects that meet its objectives to:

• Protect - writers and publishers’ ability to earn revenue from their works;
• Support – the creation and production of new works and assist the commercial success of New Zealand works;
• Grow – the number of works created and skills in the industry 

Learn more and submit your application - CLNZ Contestable Fund Grants