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Northcote’s Awataha Marae says turning itself from an incorporated society to a charitable trust will make it more inclusive.
Te Raki Paewhenua Maori Committee has organised a protest for this morning against the marae’s management, which it says has excluded the community.
But Awataha chief executive Anthony Wilson says the incorporated society model, limited use to signed-up members.
He says a plan has been developed to redevelop the marae to provide a permanent home for its health centre, and allow it to offer a wider range of health services.
The development would also include education facilities, on-site accommodation, and to complete the wharenui, so there is a dedicated space for cultural needs such as tangihanga and whare oranga.
The marae also hosts tourists.
Mr Wilson says more than 10,000 people a year use Awataha’s facilities or access its programmes.
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