March 30, 2015
Rainbow over charred marae
The whanau at Whakapara Marae north of Whangarei are today cleaning up after a fire destroyed a building that was being used as a wharekai.
Spokesperson Dale Van England says the fire was spotted by a truck driver on the main highway about 4 this morning.
The building was moved from Marsden Point in the mid-1980s and used as a kokiri or learning centre until recently.
She says the devastation is complete.
" The whole building has been burnt to the ground. The only thing left is a bit of roofing iron and a couple of old pots that have been on our marae for many many many years. Someone just pointed out to me that theres a rainbow over us so it must be a good sign for us at this sad time " she says.
Dale Van England says a new dining hall is under construction and should be opened on schedule in May.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH DALE VAN ENGLAND CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=Mjc2ODA=
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com