Partnership to restore five marae in Tamatea
Five marae in Tamatea — Central Hawke's Bay will share in $887,291 of central government funding from the Provincial Growth Fund for restoration work, as part of a partnership project between Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea and the Central Hawke's Bay District Council.
Ra¯kei Ora — Bringing Wellbeing to Marae is funded through the Government's $230 million Provincial Growth Fund: Covid-19 response — redeployment and acceleration, launched in May last year. The fund is administered by MBIE and includes an allocation of up to $70 million for the renovation of town halls, war memorials, marae and Pasifika churches.
Ra¯kei Ora builds on Tihei Tamatea!, Central Hawke's Bay's Ma¯ori network approach to wellbeing in response to Covid-19.
The project saw the Central Hawke's Bay District Council apply to the fund of behalf of Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea, with the council now providing operational support for the delivery of the project alongside other funded projects such as the extension of the TukiTuki Trails, Mayors Taskforce for Jobs and other PGF-funded projects.
The programme will employ 11 Ma¯ori from across the five marae to deliver the refurbishments, which include exterior and interior painting of buildings and maintenance.
The five marae scheduled for restoration work as part of Ra¯ kei Ora are Rakautatahi, Rongomaraeroa, Whatuiapiti, Tapairu and Mataweka.
Tapairu Marae is first in line for restoration with work starting last week, following a rousing powhiri for the workers, contractors and staff involved in the project. The marae will have roofing and internal repairs and renewals, including insulation and electrical fit out.
Dr Roger Maaka, chairman of the Taiwhenua and Kaia¯rahi Matua for CHBDC, said: “From our experience of the Covid-19 lockdown, the
Taiwhenua established Tihei Tamatea! as a community action network to address wellbeing within our communities, and Ra¯kei Ora is the first initiative. It is the beginning of a home-grown ‘Tamatea/CHB' approach to both the challenges and opportunities that face us, the Tangata Whenua, of Tamatea.”
Alex Walker, Mayor of Central Hawke's Bay, said “For the past three years we have had a focus on
securing external, non-rates funding, to augment the crucial work we do in Central Hawke's Bay. This partnership with Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea is another great example of us being able to help community aspirations to thrive.
“Ra¯ kei Ora builds on the successes of Tihei Tamatea! — a unique Tamatea- Central Hawke's Bay Ma¯ori network approach to wellbeing in response to Covid-19.”