List of marae in the Northland Region facts for kids

A marae is a very important meeting place for Māori people in New Zealand. It's a special area that includes a meeting house (called a wharenui), a dining hall, and a courtyard. Marae are central to Māori culture, used for important events like meetings, celebrations, funerals, and learning about traditions.

The Northland Region of New Zealand is home to many marae. These places are vital for different Māori groups, known as iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes), to gather and connect.

In October 2020, the New Zealand Government provided over $9 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to help upgrade 34 marae in the region. This project aimed to create 388 jobs and improve these important cultural sites.

Marae in the Far North District

The Far North District is the northernmost part of New Zealand and has a large number of marae. Each marae here is a unique place for its local iwi and hapū.

Many marae in this district have a wharenui, which is the main meeting house. Some marae, however, might not have a wharenui or it might have been damaged, like the Ōkorihi marae whose wharenui burned down in 2003.

Some of the iwi and hapū connected to these marae include Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu, Te Rarawa, Ngāi Takoto, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa, and Te Aupōuri. These groups use their marae for various community activities and to keep their traditions alive.

Marae in the Kaipara District

The Kaipara District is another area in Northland with many significant marae. These marae serve the local Māori communities, providing spaces for gatherings and cultural events.

The marae in Kaipara are mainly linked to the Ngāti Whātua iwi and its hapū, such as Te Uri o Hau and Te Roroa. These marae are important for the identity and history of these groups.

Just like in the Far North, some marae in Kaipara have a wharenui, while others might not. For example, Rīpia and Waiōhou marae are listed without a wharenui.

Marae in the Whangarei District

The Whangarei District is home to the city of Whangarei, and it also has many important marae. These marae are vital community hubs for the Māori people living in and around the city.

In this district, the marae are primarily associated with iwi like Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua, and Ngātiwai. They use their marae for meetings, ceremonies, and to pass on their cultural knowledge to younger generations.

Some marae in Whangarei District, like Ōākura Marae and Pātaua Marae, are listed without a wharenui, showing that a marae can still be a central gathering place even without a main meeting house.

See also

• Lists of marae in New Zealand
• List of schools in the Northland Region