Funding for Hauhunga Marae welcomed
Oranga Marae funding has been secured for Hauhunga Marae.
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua (TRONR) congratulates the trustees of Hauhunga Marae for their successful application to the Oranga Marae fund to go toward Hauhunga Marae.
Pouwhakahaere (CEO) Shane Graham said the funding will help realise long-held aspirations for the development of the Marae.
“Marae are our traditional whare; when marae flourish, so do the whānau, hapū and iwi.
“The marae trustees have worked for many years to reach this point. The funding caps off their efforts and will help create a more modern and resilient marae that will serve whānau, hapū and iwi for many years to come.”
In addition to recent solar energy and water storage improvements, support from Whakarewa Trust as well as kitchen upgrades supported by the Rata Foundation and TRoNR, Hauhunga Marae trustees Molly Luke and Barney Thomas say the news has given everyone involved a significant boost.
“The wharenui is a hugely significant for us – it uplifts us and gives us the opportunity to practice our Rāruatanga,” says Molly.
“This is our tūrangawaewae, our place to stand and belong. The wharenui will provide renewed focus as a gathering place for all our hui and wānanga, our celebrations.
Barney Thomas says there’s a real buzz around the project.
“We’re excited to be taking the next step in the development of the marae, and can’t wait to see the build in full swing.”
“The finished wharenui will feature toi which will convey our pūrākau, our history, our people and will provide a space where we can gather, learn and connect with our whakapapa.”
The work will would also involve moving the atea (front courtyard), and the waharoa (entrance) from the northern side of the property to the southern side.
Scott Construction will deliver the building which will be built on the south side of the existing whare, and would have room for up to 100 people.
Whakarewa chief executive Joanie Wilson says they have supported the development of Hauhunga Marae because of its significant role in strengthening our connection to whakapapa, upholding our paepae, and bringing our whānau together.
“Whakarewa acknowledges that this development marks an important milestone for Ngāti Rārua, and we look forward to seeing our whānau, both within our rohe and beyond, gather at Hauhunga, a place that reflects who we are and continues to nurture our identity, culture and sense of belonging for generations to come, “ she said.
The project is due to be completed in 2027.
About Oranga Marae
"Ko te kaupapa o Oranga Marae, he tautoko i te oranga ahurea, ā-tinana hoki o ngā marae hei pokapū mō te tuakiri Māori me te Mātauranga Māori." The purpose of Oranga Marae is to support the cultural and physical vitality of marae as centres of Māori Identity and Mātauranga Māori. The fund is administered by the Department of Internal Affairs.
