The long journey to rebuild Rangatira Marae has reached a major milestone, with new buildings now visibly taking shape as Ngāti Wahia whānau and hapū move closer to re-establishing their tūrangawaewae.
Whitiaua Ropitini, Secretary of the Rangatira Marae Trust, joins Radio Waatea to discuss the progress being made following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.
Floodwaters reached around three metres up the wharenui wall when the cyclone struck Te Karaka, forcing the eventual relocation of the marae. The new site is only a few minutes from the original whenua, with framing and roof trusses now in place for three buildings, including a new wharenui designed to retain the character of the original whare.
The rebuild is about considerably more than replacing damaged buildings. For whānau, it represents the return of a dedicated place for whakapapa, tikanga, hui and connection after years without their marae.
The project is also creating local supply, trade and employment opportunities, with completion currently expected by the end of 2027.
For Rangatira Marae, every new frame going up is another step towards bringing the whānau home.
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