Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced the fund was open on Thursday.

The Government has committed $4 million to go towards telling the stories of the New Zealand Wars.

Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta announced applications were open for the Te Pūtake o Te Riri - Wars and Conflicts in Aotearoa New Zealand Fund, which supports whānau, hapū and iwi to be able to promote and deliver events which would commemorate the New Zealand Wars.

"Our history is bursting with notable rangatira whose prowess in war, strategic and tactical feats are compelling and continue to impact on how communities have settled and relate to their own story," Mahuta said.

"Yet only a small portion of the community know this story and it needs to be shared and understood."

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The fund would provide opportunities to share stories, which were born out of conflict, but nonetheless were an "important aspect of our New Zealand identity", she said.

The $4m over four years would focus on increasing awareness about history, significant landmarks, and people.

"We have a unique opportunity to build nationhood and pride through a better understanding of our history."

The Government was committed to a shared sense of nationhood, she said.

The fund was for regional commemorative events of the conflicts, which took place in the 1800s, as well as national events held on the national commemoration day.

The first national commemoration day took place on March 11 in Russell, and was hosted by Te Tai Tokerau.

The next national commemoration day would take place in Taranaki on October 28, 2019.

Previous successful applicants included $95,200 for Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi to hold a two-day "symposia" in Whakatāne last October, and $71,200 for Raukawa Charitable Trust to host a tour to four significant war sites where Raukawa had significant involvement, which was held in April.

Te Puni Kōkiri is responsible for administering the fund.

Details about how to apply can be found here.

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