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The chair of Ngai Tahu's Ngati Waewae Runanga says the small Arahura community will bounce back from a tornado that destroyed its kohanga reo.
Yesterday's pre-dawn wind blast tore the roof off Kohanga Reo Auahi Kore and damaged some unoccupied houses.
Francois Tumahai says no one was injured, and the building was insured.
He says it is likely to be rebuilt close to the new marae, which is up the hill beside the Arahura River.
"Bearing in mind the sea is coming in and the fact we do get a few of these tornadoes coming through, our new marae is up the hill overlooking the awa and the ocean so it is a stunning view and you can step out onto the paepae you can see Aoraki so it is a special place for us," he says.
Mr Tumahai says the kohanga reo is vital to keep people in the community and encourage others in the hapu to move back.
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