Helping Pacific languages thrive across generations

Since 2020, the Pacific Languages Community Fund (PLCF) has given Pacific-led communities across Aotearoa New Zealand the opportunity to keep their languages alive, strong, and spoken in homes, churches, schools and communities.

Applications are now open for the first round of 2026/27 funding, with applications sought for initiatives that bring generations together and create opportunities for Pacific languages to be learned, used and celebrated.

The PLCF supports community-led initiatives that increase opportunities to learn and use Pacific languages, strengthen language use within families and communities, support language transmission between elders, parents, youth and children, create language resources and learning tools, and strengthen the long-term vitality of Pacific languages.

The fund supports a range of language learning initiatives including language classes, conversation groups, immersion activities, or family learning. This could include:

This year, up to $1.305 million (excluding GST) is available through two funding rounds to support projects that strengthen and sustain Pacific languages.

Funding is available across three tiers:
Tier 1: $50,001-$100,000 or $200,000
Tier 2: $20,001-$50,000
Tier 3: Up to $20,000

For 2026/27, applications must meet at least one of the following priorities:

• support te gagana Tokelau, vagahau Niue or te reo Māori Kūki 'Āirani
• be delivered primarily outside Auckland and Wellington
• increase language use across generations, including between elders, parents, youth and children.

Applications that meet more than one priority will receive stronger consideration during assessment.

For more information and to apply, visit the Pacific Languages Community Fund webpage.