NZ Funding Glossary
Plain-English definitions for common New Zealand funding, grant, tax credit, export, capital and sector-support terms.
RDTI
Research and Development Tax Incentive. An Inland Revenue tax credit for eligible R&D expenditure.
New to R&D Grant
An MBIE Innovation Services pathway for businesses starting structured R&D capability.
Co-funding
A funding model where the business pays part of the cost and the programme contributes part.
Matched funding
A requirement to contribute cash or other eligible funding alongside programme support.
Non-dilutive funding
Funding or support that does not usually require selling shares, such as grants, rebates or tax credits.
NZTE
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise. Supports New Zealand businesses growing internationally.
NZGCP
New Zealand Growth Capital Partners. Supports early-stage technology capital markets through Aspire and Elevate.
NZIAT
New Zealand Institute for Advanced Technology. A public research organisation focused on advanced technology and commercialisation pathways.
MBIE Innovation Services
The MBIE-linked innovation support pathway for current R&D grants and support services.
EECA
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. Provides energy and decarbonisation support pathways.
MPI
Ministry for Primary Industries. Administers primary-sector support pathways.
R&D Tax Loss Credit
A refundable/cash-out pathway for qualifying R&D losses, subject to rules and repayment triggers.
Weak-fit pathway
A route that may look relevant but is probably premature, closed, replaced or not the best first use of time.
Official source
The government, agency or programme page that controls current criteria, timing, caps and application rules.
Sources and review status
Last reviewed: June 2026.
Official sources checked: IRD, MBIE, business.govt.nz, NZTE, NZGCP, EECA and MPI, as relevant.
NZ Funding Pathways is a free resource funded by PH Capital Advisory.
General information only. Check the current official source and speak with the relevant adviser before acting.