• 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.

• 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.

2026 – Makuini Johnson and Spencer Kirk

Makuini Johnson

Makuini is a world champion para Waka Ama athlete and the 2026 recipient of Momenta’s Live the Life You Love Award.

As a whaikaha Māori athlete, Makuini has built an impressive career in Waka Ama, competing at an elite level and representing Aotearoa on the world stage. She is the only VL2 classified athlete competing in Waka Ama in New Zealand, a reality that makes her journey both groundbreaking and deeply personal. Her award will support her campaign to compete at the 2026 IVF Vaʻa World Sprint Championships in Singapore, helping cover the essential costs of competing internationally.

For Makuini, Waka Ama is about more than performance — it is a space of freedom, identity, and possibility. She is passionate about challenging assumptions and showing what is possible for disabled athletes, wāhine Māori, and future generations coming through the sport.

Alongside her sporting achievements, Makuini is a strong role model and advocate for representation, using her journey to inspire others to pursue ambitious goals and step confidently into opportunities that matter to them.

Spencer Kirk

Spencer is a passionate photographer and the 2026 recipient of Momenta’s Live the Life You Love Award.

A Tauranga local with Down syndrome, Spencer has developed a love of capturing sunrise and sunset landscapes through his project, Sunrise Spence Photography, showcasing scenes from across the Bay of Plenty. His award will support him to build his skills in photography, editing, and sharing his work, while growing his confidence and independence in the community.

Spencer’s dedication to his craft is reflected in his growing gallery of images, capturing changing light, colour, and atmosphere in the natural environment. Through this project, he will work toward creating an online portfolio and exploring future opportunities to share or sell his work, including a potential photography calendar.

Photography provides Spencer with a meaningful way to express himself, connect with others, and contribute to his community — and his journey is a powerful example of what can grow when people are supported to build on their strengths and follow what they love.

👉 View Spencer’s work: Sunrise Spence Photography gallery

2025 – Koen McKenzie

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