List of marae in Manawatū-Whanganui facts for kids
A marae (pronounced mah-rye) is a special meeting place for Māori people in New Zealand. It's like a community center and a sacred space all in one. Each marae has a main meeting house called a wharenui (fah-reh-noo-ee), which is often beautifully carved and decorated. Marae are very important for Māori culture, traditions, and community gatherings.
This article lists the marae found in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand. This region is in the lower North Island and is home to many different Māori groups, known as iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes).
In October 2020, the New Zealand Government provided over $7 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to help upgrade 33 marae in this region. This project aimed to create more than 560 jobs and improve these important cultural sites.
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Marae in Ruapehu District
The Ruapehu District is a large area known for its mountains and natural beauty. Many marae here are connected to iwi like Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Hāua, and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. Some marae in this district include:
- Hia Kaitupeka in Taringamotu
- Kākāhi Marae in Kākāhi
- Maungārongo in Ohākune
- Ngāpuwaiwaha in Taumarunui
- Raetihi Marae in Raetihi
- Tirorangi in Tangiwai
Some marae, like Kimihia and Mākaranui, do not have a main meeting house (wharenui). This means they might use other buildings for their gatherings.
Marae in Whanganui District
The Whanganui District is centered around the Whanganui River, which is very significant to local Māori. Here, you'll find marae linked to iwi such as Ngā Rauru, Ngāti Hāua, and Ngāti Pāmoana. Some examples are:
- Te Aroha Marae in Kai Iwi
- Ātene / Kakata in Parikino
- Kaiwhaiki Marae in Kaiwhaiki
- Koriniti / Otukopiri in Koriniti
- Pūtiki Marae in Pūtiki
- Tieke Marae in Tieke Kāinga
These marae often have beautiful wharenui, like Te Kiritahi / Rongotepoi at Kaiwhaiki Marae, which serve as central points for community life.
Marae in Rangitikei District
The Rangitikei District stretches from the coast inland towards the mountains. Marae in this area are often connected to iwi like Ngāti Apa, Ngāti Rangi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, and Ngāti Kahungunu. Key marae include:
- Kauangāroa in Okoia
- Kuratahi in Taihape
- Parewahawaha in Bulls
- Rātā in Hunterville
- Whitikaupeka Marae in Moawhango
These marae play a vital role in preserving the history and traditions of their iwi and hapū.
Marae in Manawatu District
The Manawatu District is known for its farming land and the city of Palmerston North. Marae here are often associated with iwi such as Ngāti Kauwhata, Ngāti Raukawa, and Rangitāne. Some marae in this district are:
- Aorangi Marae in Feilding
- Te Hiiri o Mahuta Marae in Halcombe
- Motuiti in Himatangi
- Tini Waitara in Turakina
These marae provide important spaces for cultural events, education, and community support.
Marae in Palmerston North City
Palmerston North is the largest city in the Manawatū-Whanganui region. The main marae in the city is:
- Te Hotu Manawa in Awapuni
This marae is a central gathering place for the Rangitāne iwi and other Māori living in the city.
Marae in Tararua District
The Tararua District is located in the eastern part of the region, stretching towards the coast. Marae here are primarily linked to Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne iwi. Examples include:
- Te Ahu a Turanga i Mua Marae in Woodville
- Kaitoki in Dannevirke
- Pahiatua Marae in Pahiatua
- Pāpāuma in Pongaroa
These marae are important for maintaining cultural connections in their local communities.
Marae in Horowhenua District
The Horowhenua District is in the southern part of the region, close to the coast. Marae in this area are strongly connected to Ngāti Raukawa and Muaūpoko iwi. Some of these marae are:
- Huia Marae in Levin
- Kawiu in Levin
- Kikopiri Marae in Ōhau
- Tūkorehe in Manakau
- Wehi Wehi in Manakau
These marae serve as vital cultural hubs, supporting the traditions and well-being of their people.
See also
- Lists of marae in New Zealand
- List of marae in Taranaki
- List of schools in Manawatū-Whanganui