• The award is available to any person over the age of 13 years, with a disability living in the Western Bay of Plenty or Eastern Bay of Plenty.
• While the award is intended primarily for individuals, small groups (such as duets, trios, or quartets) will be considered eligible in applying for a common project or objective.

We don’t want to have strict limitations; we want to know about your idea. We want you to think boldly, to be daring and courageous in achieving your best life.

Some ideas that you could use the funding for (but not limited to):

• Starting a micro-business
• Writing a book
• Record a song/album
• Scale a mountaintop
• Photograph some of New Zealand’s best scenery
• Conquer some of NZ’s best outdoor challenges, such as walking the Tongariro Crossing, kayaking the Able Tasman etc.
• Or you may have a great idea on how to make a difference in your life or the lives of others

Each year there is a fund of $10,000 available.

You can apply for the full fund or a partial amount.

Applications for 2026 open on Friday 3 April. You will be able to apply right here through our website. Alternatively you can send a video or audio application. More details will be available here on Friday 3 April.

• Applicants must be 13 years or older and must be a citizen or permanent resident of New Zealand and reside in the WBOP or EBOP area.
• Applicants must be intending to participate in a challenging physical adventure, undertake a creative project or start a business. Planning and/or commencement of the project must start within the next 12 months.
• The project must be challenging, and the participant must be able to show their tenacity, enthusiasm and above all their personal drive in achieving their goal.
• Funding may be paid in multiple instalments, depending on requirements of the project.

• You can only be granted funding once every two years.
• Submission of one application per person, per funding round/year.
• You can apply for either full or partial funding towards your project.
• You must have no ability to self-fund or be funded by friends or family for the entire project.
• You can demonstrate there are long term benefits from your idea, and it works towards you creating a good life.
• You must clearly describe your project or idea.
• You must clearly describe the budget needed, and whether that is to fund your project fully or partially.
• You must provide two written character references.
• You must clearly describe the outcomes you expect that your project will deliver for you or others. Successful applicants must be willing to allow Momenta and/or the Acorn Foundation to use their details for positive publicity and sharing of stories. This may include, but is not limited to, interview, video, and photos.
• Successful applicants must be willing to report on outcomes to the Momenta panel at the end of your project.
• The Selection Panel will consist of two senior management members from Momenta, along with two Momenta Board members. The Selection Panel will make the final selection.
• Applicants must agree that the decision of the Selection Panel will be final.

An independent panel reviews each application against the criteria and on its own merit. If your application isn’t successful this year, you can re-apply the next time funding is available. However, if you have been successful in securing a Momenta Live the Life You Love Award you will need to wait two years before submitting a new application.

• Momenta and/or the Acorn Foundation may recoup any funds awarded, if it is satisfied that the purpose of the award is not being met, or if the recipient through their actions, has brought Momenta and/or the Acorn Foundation and/or Momenta into disrepute.
• The selection panel may refrain from making a recommendation if it finds no candidate of sufficient merit.

You can complete an application form right here from 9am on Friday 3 April.

2025 – Koen McKenzie

Koen is our first-ever recipient of its new Live The Life You Love Award!