One of the country's largest iwi groups is giving $100,000 to help thousands of school children.

Waikato-Tainui sees a partnership with KidsCan as an opportunity to reach out and help its members.

A one year partnership between the two will see food and health items provided to 23 schools across Waikato and South Auckland.

KidsCan already supplies essentials to more than 700 schools, and provided almost 1.5 million food items to schools in February alone.

Waikato-Tainui chief executive Donna Flavell says a key reason the iwi has entered the partnership is to focus on education.

"It's hard for them to learn when they are cold and hungry so being warm and having a full tummy helps them focus, helps them improve their attendance in the classroom, helps them increase their confidence and you know the ultimate goal is to get a good education."

The iwi has more than 70,000 members, with many of them living in areas the project will be assisting.

Flavell says the iwi is focused on improving conditions for its members.

"We wanna show that we care about our tamariki and it is a practical and tangible way to make a difference to them."

And KidsCan say they are hoping to attract the interest of other iwi following the announcement of the partnership.

KidsCan CEO, Julie Chapman, says the charity works with hundreds of schools throughout the country, so there is definitely room for more iwi involvement.

"Hopefully they will watch with interest and we'll be able to share the benefits of this partnership with them and hopefully expand what we are doing."