Councillors from the Community Development and Safety Committee, along with local board members and council staff, recently had the honour of visiting two marae in Māngere.
The visit enabled members of the committee to view work that had been completed as a result of Auckland Council’s Māori Cultural Initiatives Fund.
It was also an opportunity to hear from with those on the marae about the activities and programmes they have been enabled to provide thanks to the fund’s investment.
Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae and Mataatua Marae received grants to make much-needed improvements to their facilities.
But as committee chair Cr Cathy Casey says, the financial aspect is only half the story.
“These grants aren’t just about bricks and mortar, but about the people they empower,” she says.
“Therefore, it’s so encouraging to see how these grants have equipped these marae to make an even greater difference in their communities.”
Manukau Ward Councillor Alf Filipaina has long-held relationships with members at both marae and he was particularly pleased to be able to visit and reconnect with their members.
“Our marae play such an integral role in our communities, providing services and facilities which benefit a wide range of people, so it’s pleasing to be able to see how Auckland Council is helping them make the necessary improvements to their buildings.”
Papatuanuku Kokiri Marae will use their grant for gas installation, modification to a kitchen, purchase of three portacoms, security fence and complete the archgola installation.
Mataatua Marae will use their grant for flooring in the wharekai hall area as well as to make vital repairs and purchase two heat pumps for the wharenui.
