Tipuna stand tall as mauri restored to marae site
Ahimate Marae on the banks of the Manawatu¯ River has been restored to its cultural status. Five tı¯puna representing the five hapu¯ of Rangita¯ne stand proud above the site, with another two marking the entrance to the area from Paneiri Park. Rangita¯ne spokesman Chris Whaiapu said in a series of ceremonies the life force of the site had been restored, the ra¯hui of the Covid-19 restrictions were lifted and the area was open for all to enjoy.
The first part of the process had been a small ceremony last week restoring the mauri, or life force, of the marae site so it could be used again as a courtyard for oratory and discussion.
Then on Friday morning invited civic leaders gathered for the maiden po¯whiri on the site and the dawn blessing of the pou, which were carved from to¯tara by Craig Kawana.
Two, called Apakura, stand at the entrance from the dog park, representing male and female, Whatukura and Ma¯reikura. Elevated on tall poles on top of a mound looking across the river to the lookout just off the He Ara Kotahi pathway stand the tipuna of Nga¯ti Hineaute, Nga¯ti Rangitepaia, Nga¯ti Kapua¯rangi, Nga¯ti Rangiaranaki and Nga¯ti Mairehau.
In a mixture of the spiritual and the practical, the installation has been designed to provide elevation and a rescue plan. Whaiapu said the area was a flood plain, so the tipuna would be safe as river levels rose, but if there was a warning of an extreme flood, they could be rescued. The series of ceremonies rounded off with the lighting of a fire to symbolise the lifting of the ra¯hui, or restrictions, of the Covid-19 response.
Whaiapu said honouring the cultural history of Ahimate did not diminish other aspects of its past and present use. ‘‘We want people to enjoy the space. The marae is there for all. We want people use it and be proud of it. It is the people’s marae.’’