Key government funding agencies are:
Forst, http://www.frst.govt.nz/
RSNZ (Marsden Fund) and HRC.
See also Spear website and/or the NZ Funding Information Service www.fis.org.nz
for other sources. University research offices usually maintain accessible information on funding and especially timings, although these may be confidential to that university.

Contract research requirements above $50k are advertised on the government electronic tendering system.

Key Funding Agencies and awards include (list sourced from Phanza c2005):

Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council 
Grants are available for researcher initiated alcohol-related research.
Open: To individuals and groups. 
Applications: 1 Feb and 1 July each year. 
Contact: Co-ordinator Research and Evaluation, Alcoholic Liquor Advisory Council, PO Box 5023, Wellington. 

Awards in History (NZ History Research Trust Fund) 
Provide 'financial help to researchers and writers of projects relating to NZ history'. All areas of historical scholarship eligible but 'preference given to projects which would significantly improve understanding of NZ's past.' 
Open: To individuals or groups. 
Applications : Close 15 October each year. 
Contact: Awards in History, History Group, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, PO Box 5364, Wellington.

Awards in Oral History 
Provide financial help for projects using oral resources and relating to the history of New Zealand/Aotearoa and New Zealand's close connections with the Pacific. Open: To individuals or groups. 
Applications: Close 30 April each year. 
Contact: Australian Sesquicentennial Gift Trust for Oral History, History Group, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, PO Box 5364, Wellington 

Claude McCarthy Fellowships 
To enable graduates of New Zealand universities to undertake 'original work or research in literature, science or medicine' [these categories to be interpreted liberally].  
Open: To individuals, particularly to those whose normal occupation does not allow them to follow up original ideas or carry out research. Research must be able to be carried out at a NZ university, but awards are not for degree study. 
Applications: Close 1 August each year. 
Contact: NZ Vice Chancellors' Committee, PO Box 11-915, Wellington. 

Creative New Zealand Non-Fiction Grants 
For writing projects that will help 'present the arts of New Zealanders to New Zealanders' - for example biographies of literary figures, histories of cultural institutions, etc. The Non-Fiction Assistance Fund gives one bursary to an established author of high profile and several project grants to other writers with suitable topics. 
Open: To individuals - usually those who already have a publication track record. 
Applications: Close mid February and mid July each year. 
Contact: Creative New Zealand, PO Box 3806, Wellington. 

Fellowship in Maori History 
For a term of up to two years, 'to work on a significant research project in Maori history. The appointee will also advise iwi and other Maori groups who wish to record their history.' Offered irregularly, depending on length of previous fellow's tenure. Fellowship is, in effect, a temporary salaried position which is located at Historical Branch, Department of Internal Affairs, Wellington. 
Open:  To suitably qualified individuals, preferably those with 'a university degree in history, Maori studies or a related discipline'. 
Applications: Advertised when available. 
Contact: Historical Branch, Department of Internal Affairs, PO Box 805, Wellington. 

Foundation for Research, Science and Technology - Public Good Science Fund 
This funds 'basic, strategic and applied research which is purpose-oriented and aims to achieve strategic goals for New Zealand'.  
Open: To individuals or groups. In practice, groups from institutions stand the best chance. 
Applications: Close various 
Contact: Foundation for Research, Science and Technology, PO Box 12-240, Wellington. 

James Cook Research Fellowship - Royal Society of New Zealand 
Awarded annually in four different research areas, including - 'Social Sciences' and 'Research of Relevance to the Peoples of NZ and the Pacific'.  The fellowships emphasise 'the recognition of sustained excellence in research'. They are normally held for two years and carry a stipend equivalent to that of an associate professor. Projects are  expected to 'benefit New Zealand and further research in the particular science'. The transfer of knowledge, e.g. in book form, is emphasised. Applicants must find a research institution willing to host them. 
Open: To individuals who can 'demonstrate that they have achieved national and international recognition' in their field. Awards are only made if candidates of sufficient calibre apply. 
Applications: Close mid-March each year. 
Contact: Executive Officer: Awards, The Royal Society of New Zealand, PO Box 598, Wellington. 

JD Stout Research Fellowship 
For a substantial project investigating some aspect of NZ's  'society, history or culture'. Projects leading to books are preferred. Recipients must base themselves at the Stout Research Centre, Victoria University of Wellington. 
Open: To individuals - in practice, only those with a reasonable track record of publications are likely to be considered. 
Applications: Close mid 1 August each year. 
Contact: The Manager (Human Resources), VUW, PO Box 600, Wellington. 

Marsden Fund 
Established to 'support excellent research and researchers', and to provide increased opportunity to undertake research that is 'purely curiosity driven'. Research may be in any area of science, engineering, social sciences or humanities. 
Open: To individuals and groups. 
Applications: Preliminary applications close 19 February each year. 
Contact: Executive Officer: Awards, The Royal Society of New Zealand, PO Box 598, Wellington. 

New Zealand Law Foundation 
Generally promotes legal training, but criteria also includes funding legal research and the spread of legal knowledge through the community. History of legal firms, biographies of legal figures, etc may qualify. 
Open: Individuals or groups. 
Applications: 31 March and 31 September each year. 
Contact: New Zealand Law Foundation, PO Box 5056, Wellington. 

Pacific Development and Conservation Trust 
Promotes the enhancement and conservation of the physical environment and natural and historic resources and cultural heritage of the South Pacific, including NZ. 
Open: Individuals and groups. 
Applications: 1 March and 1 September. 
Contact: Trusts and Fellowships, Dept of Internal Affairs, PO Box 805, Wellington.
 
Transport Research and Educational Trust 
Funds educational and research projects that benefit the transport industry in NZ 
Open: To individuals and groups. 
Applications: Close 28 February each year. 
Contact: Transport Research and Educational Trust, PO Box 13-635, Armagh, Christchurch. 

ANZAC Fellowships 
The scheme allows New Zealanders of high ability, who have already made a mark in their chosen profession, to undertake research projects in Australia that will benefit both themselves and the wider community. 
Open: Individuals in any field of trade, profession or the arts. 
Contact: The Secretary, ANZAC Fellowship Selection Committee, Dept of Internal Affairs, PO Box 805, Wellington. 

Australia-New Zealand Foundation Awards 
To promote research projects that will strengthen trans-Tasman links; assist with carrying out research in Australia etc. Each case considered on its merits according to a list of criteria obtainable from foundation. 
Open: To individuals. 
Applications: At any time. 
Contact: Australia-New Zealand Foundation, c/o Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Private Bag 18-901, Wellington.