List of marae in Otago facts for kids

A marae (pronounced mah-rye) is a special meeting place for Māori people in New Zealand. It's a very important part of Māori culture and community life. Each marae usually has a large meeting house called a wharenui (fah-reh-noo-ee), a dining hall, and a courtyard. People gather here for important events like weddings, funerals, celebrations, and discussions.

This article explores some of the marae located in the Otago region of New Zealand.

Marae in Dunedin City

Dunedin is a major city in Otago, and it is home to several important marae. These places help keep Māori traditions and community strong.

Āraiteuru Marae

• Marae Name: Āraiteuru
• Meeting House: The wharenui (meeting house) is also called Āraiteuru.
• Tribal Connections: This marae is connected to the Ngāi Tahu iwi (tribe).
• Location: You can find Āraiteuru Marae in Wakari, a suburb of Dunedin, also known as Ōtepoti.

Huirapa / Puketeraki Marae

• Marae Name: Huirapa / Puketeraki
• Meeting House: The wharenui here is named Huirapa.
• Tribal Connections: This marae belongs to the Ngāi Tahu iwi, specifically the Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka Ki Puketeraki hapū (sub-tribe).
• Location: It is located in Karitāne, a small coastal town.

Ōtākou Marae

• Marae Name: Ōtākou Marae
• Meeting House: The wharenui at Ōtākou is called Tamatea.
• Tribal Connections: This marae is also connected to the Ngāi Tahu iwi, through the Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou hapū.
• Location: Ōtākou Marae is found in the historic settlement of Otakou.

Marae in Waitaki District

The Waitaki District is another area in Otago with significant Māori cultural sites.

Moeraki Marae

• Marae Name: Moeraki Marae
• Meeting House: The wharenui at Moeraki is named Uenuku.
• Tribal Connections: This marae is part of the Ngāi Tahu iwi, specifically the Te Rūnanga o Moeraki hapū.
• Location: It is located in the small fishing village of Moeraki.

See also

• Lists of marae in New Zealand
• List of schools in Otago