Waimārama Marae has reopened the doors of its wharenui by celebrating it with the attendance of two prominent iwi, including the Māori Queen.
On a brisk 4am Saturday morning, formalities for the blessing of the meeting house, Taupunga began with karakia, waiata, and speeches from both Manuwhiri andd Hau Kāinga.
In particular, the significance of Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā Wai hono i te pō entering onto Waimārama Marae for the first time.
The ‘Godfather’ of Reo revitalisation and Waimārama Marae descendant himself, Tā Timoti Karetu said the attendance of Te Arikinui to the reopening reassures the connection forged between not only the Marae and her late father, but her grandmother, Te Arikinui Te Aatairangikaahu as well.
“Kua tino rangatira tēnei hui me taku tino harikoa i pērā, nā te mea ko mātou e tino rongo ana nei i te aroha o ngā tāngata ka tae mai nei, ā, ko Te Arikinui tēnā nō reira kei hea i tū atu.“
“This meeting has been very dignified and I am very happy because we are the ones who really felt the love of the people who has come, and one of them being Te Arikinui, there’s no greater honour,”
Discussions for renovations began in 2019 after the marae identified the need to upgrade its facilities, including structural repairs to the wharenui, the addition of modern amenities in the kitchen and ablution block, and improved accessibility for kaumātua and those with disabilities. However, progress was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic and the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, which further delayed completion.
Chairman of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi incorporated, Bayden Barber said the reopening represents a significant milestone for the people of Waimārama Marae, especially after the hurdles along the way.
“It’s a really important whare, as it’s the anchor for Te Waka Tapu ō Ngāti Kahungunu, and it was barely hanging by a thread. So it’s great to see kua whakahaungia katoatia tōna tū i tēnei wā (The house has been fully refurbished,”
The reopening hui included a traditional pōwhiri to welcome both Tainui and Te Arawa waka, as Ngāti Whakaue accompanied family members of the late Tā Bom Gillies on to the Marae to honour his paternal connection to the local hapū.
Barber said the inclusion of Tā Gillies kawe mate in the proceedings was a deep sign of respect symbolised by both sides of his whakapapa.
“It’s a huge honour, a huge honour. During the time of his tangihanga we had requested for his tupāpaku to return to Ngāti Kahungunu to recognise his paternal side. However it was the wish of the whānau to remain in Te Arawa.
“Thus, we had laid the request if his kawe mate could be included for the reopening instead. Thefore, Te Arawa has accomplished that today,”
As the day concluded with a shared hākari and poroporoāki, entertainment and more with sentiments of the Māori Queen’s arrival displayed from the Hau kāinga with the bestowing of a hand-made kete, crafted by Waimārama Marae descendants themselves.
From this, the sentiment was clear: Waimārama Marae is not just a place—it is a foundation for its growing iwi leaders, unity and a hub that once housed reo revitalisation for the sake of its existence, is now a gold mine for reo evolution.
Karetu said as Waimārama Marae looks forward to its next chapter, it also prepares for its first kura reo.
“Kotahi wiki i konei ka tū mai rā te kura reo. Engari ko ērā āhuatanga tonu - ko te reo kia ora, ko te whai i ērā āhuatanga katoa. Kia kaha ake ki Waimārama nei.”
“The kura reo will be held here for one week. The aspects of those still remain -The language will survive because we strive for those ways. Therefore, be steadfast when here at Waimārama,”
