Wood Processing Growth Fund (WPGF)

Wood Processing Growth Fund — Catalyst Grants

Funds feasibility studies and research for New Zealand wood processing into structural and consumer products.

The Wood Processing Growth Fund (WPGF) Catalyst stream is a New Zealand government grant program administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to support pre-investment activities in the wood processing sector. The Catalyst stream provides grants of up to NZD $2 million per year per project, typically covering up to 50% of eligible project costs, with the remainder funded by non-government sources. Eligible work is limited to feasibility studies, research, and business cases that support investment in the processing of New Zealand timber into long-lived products, specifically structural framing, furniture, decking, and fencing. Wood fuel, single-use packaging, and biomaterial applications are explicitly excluded. The WPGF Catalyst is open on a rolling basis with no fixed application deadline.

Eligibility is restricted to NZ-based for-profit businesses. Non-profits, universities, and research organizations are not eligible for the Catalyst stream. Applicants must be able to demonstrate non-government co-funding covering at least 50% of project costs. The full process from initial Expression of Interest to contract signing takes four to ten months, comprising an EOI stage, an evaluation phase of two to five months, and a contracting phase of two to four months. Once a contract is executed, delivery and progress reporting begin. The WPGF also operates an Accelerator stream — a separate NZD $27 million debt and equity instrument for capital investment projects of NZD $1 million or more — which is governed by different terms and eligibility criteria.

The Catalyst stream is best suited to businesses that have identified a specific wood processing investment but require pre-commercial validation, market research, engineering feasibility, or a business case before committing capital. Applicants with a credible investment thesis and confirmed co-funding in place have the strongest positioning. Inquiries should be directed to wpgf@mpi.govt.nz before submitting an EOI to confirm the project is in scope and to receive current guidance on documentation requirements.