Locomotive embarking on another journey
Source: Stuff
Mucking in at the Martinborough Marae
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Martinborough’s Hau Ariki Marae underwent a major makeover thanks to a substantial grant from the Trust House Foundation.
Martinborough’s Hau Ariki Marae underwent a major makeover thanks to a substantial grant from the Trust House Foundation.
About Hau Ariki Marae
The Hau Ariki Marae is very much a community marae and an important social and cultural hub in South Wairarapa. As marae spokesperson Kevin Haunui puts it,”
“It was set up by both Māori here (in Martinborough) and supported by Iwi and the local community. Its foundations are really bi-cultural.”
What the grant went towards
The Trust House Foundation’s $24,000 grant made a significant contribution towards the marae’s $45,000 makeover target, funding the purchase of labour and materials to renovate existing buildings and add new features such as gardens and fences. Much of the refurbishment took place over a four-day working bee, featured on Māori Television’s 100th episode of DIY Marae.
What this meant for the organisation
Hau Ariki Marae spokesperson Kevin Haunui says,“It’s been a great opportunity for people to reconnect with the marae, as well as establish new connections. Martinborough has quite a sizeable Māori population, though the nature of much of their work is transient, so keeping our people together is the challenge. The marae is really important as it is a place where they can see Maori custom taking place that comes to the forefront more than other times.”
