December 16, 2012
Eel rescue prompts wharekai name
Otiria Marae opened a new wharekai on the weekend, the latest in Ngāti Hine’s programme of refurbishing its various marae.
Marae member Peeni Henare says by giving families something to come home to, more whānau have been coming back to reconnect their children and grandchildren with their traditional rohe.
Motatau Marae and Tau Henare Marae at Pipiwai have also had recent makeovers, and other marae are fundraising.
He says the wharekai was named Te Puna e Keteriki after the river behind the marae.
It refers to the practice of using Ngā Kete Tangariki or finely woven baskets to scoop up the young eels and carry them upstream of a waterfall.
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