Farewell for whare
Moe mai ra¯ e te whare nei e . . . Moe mai ra¯ , moe mai ra¯ haere atu ra¯ !
The Waipukurau Community Marae shared a poignant and fond farewell to its whare and whare kai on Sunday, September 2 at 9.30am through a controlled burn.
The local community came together to witness, support and farewell Nga¯ whare o Marae, and the day began with karakia led by local Ma¯ ori leader John Barry Smith.
The Waipukurau Voluntary Fire brigade advised and guided the process, along with local police support. Organisers of the burn acknowledged Dick Hurae and his team from Higgins CHB who contributed their time to ensure the remains of nga¯ whare were managed appropriately.
The Waipukurau Community Marae was established for wha¯ nau of other iwi living here in Central Hawkes Bay and for the wider Waipukurau community.
Organisers said it is the beginning of the Waipukurau Community Marae’s Project Turangawaewae — creating a place for the Central Hawkes Bay wha¯ nau/community to stand and belong.
Project Turangawaewae is made up of seven project centres using and revitalising every inch of the marae whenua (reserve), ki mua (front), ki muri (back), from Takapau Road to the Tukituki awa.
The Trustee’s vision for Project Turangawaewae is to create a 21st century marae facility retaining the mauri of Te Ao Ma¯ ori while shaping and designing a 21st century marae engine room — Te Ao Hurihuri — The Changing World.
The Waipukurau Community Marae Trustees will be hosting regular Kaupapa Hui or information hui starting on Thursday, 11th October at Te Taiwhenua O Tamatea, Kitchener Street, Waipukurau 6pm.
■ For all inquiries contact Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea P06 858 7206.