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A fire overnight caused significant damage to the wharenui, Tu Waerae, at Hui Te Rangiora Marae in Hamilton, impacting the community deeply.
A fire overnight has caused significant damage to the wharenui, Tū Waerae, at Hui Te Rangiora Marae in Hamilton.
This iconic meeting house, opened by the first Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, in 1974, faced an intense blaze that emergency services battled for over three hours at the weekend.
Police are actively investigating the cause and exploring a potential electrical fault.
Marae chairman Fred Dargaville expressed determination in the face of adversity; he said, “This is an opportunity for us to rebuild and emerge stronger.”
Although the interior suffered extensive damage, some carvings survived, thanks to sturdy metal framing.
“From the ashes, we will rise again,” he says, showcasing the community’s resilience.
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