The re-awakening of Te Aroha Marae

After months of planning and effort, Ngāti Manuhiakai invited the motu to bear witness to the reawakening ceremony of Te Aroha Marae.

Manuhiri and Ngāruahine nui tonu, approximately four hundred people, waited patiently on Inaha Road for the karanga, and in the early morning of Saturday 30 March 2019, the ceremony began.

Quietly the whānau walked around the whare touching the building as an act of transferring mauri and reawakening the marae. Three times the name of the whare was called for and each time the reply was ‘Te Aroha’.

Last year, Ngāti Haua Hapū celebrated with a rededication at Tawhitinui Marae. This included restrenghtening the wharepuni ‘Okare tuatoru’ and new wharepaku, and supporting Ngāti Manuhiakai Hapū to reawaken Te Aroha Marae 12 months later which are positive markers on the health and wellbeing of Ngāruahine iwi.

Above: Te Aroha Marae

For whānau who are familiar with the original marae, the foyer at the front and wharenui itself remains unchanged. A passageway starting at the foyer has been added for whānau to access the wharepaku, dining room, and kitchen. The dining room and kitchen are now much larger with several windows and doors to allow for the light and views of Maunga Taranaki.

Facebook was abuzz with comments and photos with many acknowledging the Marae trustees for their hard work and leadership.

The day reconnected whānau guaranteeing a joyful and memorable day for everyone.

Events like these are significant and historical. They are a gift from one generation to another to keep the heart of the hapū beating.

Above: Ngā uri o Ngāti Manuhiakai, Te Aroha Marae