June 01, 2016
Kahungunu refurbishes marae
Ngati Kahungunu is reporting significant progress in its push to upgrade marae ahead of hosting Te Matatini next year.
The Marae Whakaute project is backed by a collaboration of charitable funders working with Hastings District Council, with marae putting up a third of the funds.
The aim is to bring marae facilities brought up to current health and safety standards before the expected influx of tens of thousands of visitors for the national Maori performing arts festival.
Toilet blocks are being refurbished, with mobile ramps and disability access provided.
Kitchens are being upgraded, including the installation of commercial standard gear.
Trade trainees from the Eastern Institute of Technology are helping with the labour.
Iwi chair Ngahiwi Tomoana says aim is that the marae will be available not just for hapu and cultural use but for wider community use including civil defence events.
They also have the potential to become tourism hubs telling local histories and whakapapa to the camper van industry.
Work has been completed at Pukehou, Te Haroto and Matahiwi marae, and there’s work going on at another eight, with five marae yet to be started.
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