Lists of marae in New Zealand facts for kids
A marae is a special meeting place for Māori people and Moriori people in New Zealand. There are about 773 marae across the country. Each marae usually has a wharenui (meeting house) and belongs to a specific iwi (tribe) or hapū (sub-tribe).
The marae is a very important place in Māori culture. It's where people celebrate their traditions and speak the Māori language. Families gather there for birthdays and other events. It's also where important ceremonies happen, like welcoming visitors (called pōwhiri) or saying goodbye to someone who has passed away (called tangihanga). The marae is considered a wāhi tapu, which means a 'sacred place' with deep cultural meaning.
What is a Marae?
The word marae ātea often refers to the open space right in front of the wharenui (meeting house). But usually, when people say marae, they mean the whole area. This includes the open space, the meeting house, and other buildings. This open area is used for important welcome ceremonies where people give speeches. On some marae, only men are allowed to give speeches in this area.
The Meeting House (Wharenui)
The wharenui is the main building on the marae. It's a large, beautifully carved building where many important things happen. People hold big meetings here to discuss tribal matters. It's also a place where visitors can stay overnight, often sleeping together on mattresses on the floor. Many cultural activities, like learning traditional crafts, also take place inside the wharenui.
The Dining Hall (Wharekai)
Another important building on the marae is the wharekai. This is the dining hall, where everyone shares meals together. Sharing food is a big part of Māori hospitality and community life. While its main purpose is for eating, sometimes other activities might happen in the wharekai too.
See also
- List of iwi
- List of Māori waka
- Lists of schools in New Zealand
