Nelson City
Whakatū Marae in Nelson, Te Awhina Marae in Motueka and Onetahua Kokiri Marae in Golden Bay are community centres for cultural, social and recreational activities for people of all ethnic groups.
Whakatū Marae on Atawhai Drive is the focal point for the Māori community in Nelson city. The kaupapa (basis) of the marae is manaaki nga manuhiri, aroha ki te tangata (the hosting of visitors). Whakatū Marae has a new wharekai (dining hall) that has enabled the marae to cater for larger groups and hui.
The kawa (protocol) is Tainui. It is the southernmost marae associated with the Kingitanga movement centred in the Waikato. The marae brings together six mana whenua iwi (local tribes): Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Kuia, Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama, and Te Atiawa. The common ancestor for the six iwi is ‘Kākati’ and the Whare Tupuna (Ancestral House) is named after this ancestor. The marae also has Kopuawai Te Kohanga Reo (preschool), six whare kaumatua (flats for the elderly). A kokiri (office/training centre) houses Whakatū Marae Health and Social Services, providing health, social, education, employment and legal services as well as whānau (community/family) services.
Motueka
Te Awhina Marae in Motueka was established on an old pā site (fortified village) that dates back to pre-European settlement. Te Awhina Marae stands proudly under its two maunga (mountains), Pukeone and Tuao Wharepapa.
The Motueka River runs swiftly, bringing life and nourishment to the district. The tangata whenua in Motueka (people of the land) are Te Atiawa and Ngāti Rārua. To incorporate these iwi, the kawa (protocol) for Te Awhina is Tae Ngā Kawa (a combination of two protocols).
The first modern building on the site was Te Ahurewa Church, built in 1897. Church services are held on the third Sunday of each month.
The wharekai (cooking and eating house) was opened in 1958 to provide a facility for the Māori community and, in particular, for seasonal workers who had come from all over the country to harvest tobacco and hops.
Te Awhina’s carving school, the only one in the region, was established in 1987 to carve the wharenui (meeting house) and provide training in the traditional art of whakairo. Te Awhina’s wharenui (main meeting house) is named Turangapeke, and the marae also has kaumātua flats, which provide housing for the elderly and enhance marae life.
Te Awhina also caters for the Motueka, Nelson and Marlborough communities, other groups throughout New Zealand and touring parties wanting to have a marae experience. Prior bookings are essential. Above all, Te Awhina is a ‘living’ marae. It is vibrant in its learning, and enthusiastic in its teaching.
Mohua Golden Bay - Onetahua Marae
Onetahua Kokiri Marae is a small marae based in Pohara, Golden Bay, and is named after the significant local landmark Farewell Spit (Onetahua). It is the home marae for three local iwi: Ngāti Rārua, Ngāti Tama, and Te Atiawa, but it operates as a multi-iwi marae with the wider involvement of the whole community. The protocol is Taranaki Kawa.
The wharenui (meeting house) was opened in January 2001, and is named ‘Te Ao Marama’ meaning a new light, referring to a new (inclusive) way forward. The inside of the wharenui is a mix of traditional and modern styles, as befits a relatively new, community marae. Whales (tohora) are a strong theme and reflect the regular stranding of these animals in the area.
Onetahua Marae specialises in hui (workshops) involving natural materials and has become a centre for making and playing traditional musical instruments and painting with rock-derived colours. The marae has a weekly weaving hui usually using local harakeke (flax). It is a popular marae that is in constant use by students and other groups.
