Concerns are growing that marae and other Māori community infrastructure could become increasingly vulnerable to natural disasters as rising insurance costs collide with the loss of dedicated government funding.
Ngāti Kahungunu chair Bayden Barber says the conversation can no longer be limited to repairing buildings after disasters strike. Instead, the focus must shift towards ensuring marae remain financially resilient and adequately insured so they can continue serving as community lifelines during emergencies.
The issue has gained urgency following the Government’s decision to discontinue dedicated marae resilience funding, a move that has prompted concern among rural marae that rely on targeted investment to strengthen buildings, improve emergency preparedness and recover from natural disasters.
For many Māori communities, marae are far more than meeting places. They serve as emergency evacuation centres, welfare hubs, distribution points for food and essential supplies, and places where whānau gather during times of crisis.
Cyclone Gabrielle demonstrated that role vividly, with marae across Hawke’s Bay and Tairāwhiti opening their doors to displaced residents, coordinating relief efforts and supporting communities when other infrastructure failed. Several marae themselves suffered extensive damage during the disaster, highlighting both their importance and their vulnerability.
Barber says the challenge now extends beyond rebuilding damaged facilities. The rising cost and availability of insurance are becoming significant issues for marae, particularly those located in regions increasingly exposed to flooding, storms and other climate-related events.
Without affordable insurance, many marae face greater financial risk should another major disaster occur. For volunteer-led organisations operating on limited budgets, escalating premiums or reduced insurance availability could make it difficult to maintain buildings that are critical to community resilience.
The debate also comes amid wider discussion about Māori infrastructure investment. While the Government has introduced the Māori Development Fund to support economic growth and infrastructure projects, community leaders say dedicated funding for marae resilience and emergency preparedness remains essential because of the unique role marae play during national emergencies.
Advocates argue marae should be recognised as nationally significant community infrastructure, similar to schools, hospitals and civil defence facilities, with long-term investment reflecting the services they provide before, during and after emergencies.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, making resilience planning an increasingly important issue for iwi, hapū and marae throughout Aotearoa.
For Ngāti Kahungunu and many other iwi, protecting marae is about more than preserving buildings. It is about safeguarding whakapapa, tikanga, community wellbeing and the places where people come together in times of celebration, mourning and crisis.
As discussions continue around funding priorities and disaster preparedness, Māori leaders are calling for a long-term strategy that ensures marae remain protected, insured and equipped to continue serving the communities that depend on them.
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