The Government is set to invest more than $2.4million to help unlock the science and innovation of Maori knowledge, resources and people.

A total of $2,425,772 is being invested in 18 programmes including creating a Maori research collective to develop marine and land use in the Bay of Plenty and East Cape regions.

Funding from Te Punaha Hihiko Vision Matauranga Capital Fund will also go towards enhancing the prosperity of Maori-owned kiwifruit orchards.

Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce says this fund invests in work that builds skills and networks in organisations undertaking research that will have environmental, economic, social and cultural benefits for New Zealand.

The fund's objectives are to increase connections and collaborations between Maori organisations, individual researchers and research organisations to help improve their understanding of Maori research needs and effective ways to transfer knowledge to Maori.

Steven says the fund was redeveloped earlier this year, as money became available from previous investments.

'Rather than investing directly in research, the Fund aims to develop the skills of people and organisations.

'The new programmes announced today address this in a variety of ways, including exploring new ways to bring matauranga Maori and science together, identifying matauranga Maori that can benefit the country, and offering opportunities for Maori and researchers to better understand each other's perspective.”

The programmes will cover a wide range of topics, including environmental monitoring of Maori land to guide future compliance and guardianship and better comprehension of Maori traditional calendars, leading to greater understanding of the application of environment, climate and biological knowledge.

The contracts will commence between January 2014 and June 2014 and run for up to three years.