Native Nations United uses Indigenous tourism, cultural exchange and leadership development to connect young Indigenous people across nations. The 2026 exchange, Ngā Ara Tūpuna – The Ancestral Pathways, brings ten Māori rangatahi together with ten Aboriginal young people.
Participants travel through Aotearoa New Zealand and Central Australia for culturally grounded learning, community connection and leadership development. The 2026 application cycle is closed.
Benefits & funding
- The exchange is fully sponsored.
- Sponsorship covers a passport where required, international flights, accommodation, transport and cultural experiences.
- Approximately 95% of meals are included.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be Māori rangatahi who whakapapa to participating iwi across Aotearoa New Zealand.
- The standard age range is 18–24. Exceptional 17-year-olds may be considered based on maturity.
- The published call states no degree, work-experience or gender requirement.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
Decoded from the official rules. A free account checks them against your passport, degree and age in seconds.
Eligible nationalities
New Zealand
Age requirement
≤ 24 yrs
Circlebreaker is a free database of global fellowships, scholarships and programs — every one decoded like this.
We only check the criteria we have data for. Always confirm full eligibility on the official page before applying.
Application process
- 1Prepare a current CV.
- 2Write a one-page letter explaining why the applicant wishes to participate.
- 3Email both documents to bookings@kohutapulodge.co.nz before the deadline.
Program timeline
Applications announced open
Jul 6, 2026
Application deadline
Jul 11, 2026 at 17:00
Aotearoa New Zealand exchange leg
Aug 1, 2026 to Aug 10, 2026
Central Australia exchange leg
Aug 20, 2026 to Aug 30, 2026