Point Chevalier’s Te Māhurehure Marae will receive a $300,000 investment for construction of its new Wāhi Mahi studios.
The recent $250K investment, which follows an earlier $50K allocation, will be used by the Te Māhurehure Marae to build four new Wāhi Mahi studios to enable work, activity, or employment opportunities that provide cultural education, tourism expansion, local economy and employment opportunities.
Albert-Eden Local Board Chair Margi Watson is proud the board has allocated one of its largest-ever funding amounts to a single group.
“We acknowledge the role Te Māhurehure Marae has in the community, as well as the bold and exciting vision with the new Wāhi Mahi studios, and we’re pleased to play our part in enabling these exciting next steps.”
Te Māhurehure Marae CEO Tracey Panapa has expressed appreciation for the faith placed in the Marae in responding to the plethora of needs serviced by the Marae, as well as the cultural, sporting and shared-knowledge initiatives that enhance not only Māori but all ethnicities in the dynamic tapestry that makes Tāmaki Makaurau home to the many people who enter the Marae.
“Te Māhurehure has always been built upon relationships and the well-being of all people. The Wāhi Mahi not only complete Te Taumata o Kupe and the Master Navigator’s narrative, but also creates the opportunity to showcase the creativity, skills and adaptability of Māori in perpetuating knowledge through cultural practices that retained the many narratives of life in complementary artistic and oral narratives.
“The Wāhi Mahi are designed to embody historical whakapapa identity and tikanga unique to Māori just as a library is the historical depository to other people,” says Tracey.
This investment showcases the commitment of the board in local Māori aspirations, and deepening relationships with marae and kura in the local board area.
The total cost of building the four wāhi mahi studios is approximately $2,042,000.
Te Māhurehure Marae has applied for grant funding from Department of Internal Affairs and Foundation North for the build of the Wāhi Mahi studios.
The Wāhi Mahi studios
Wāhi mahi studios are buildings where work, activity, or employment take place, that will bring cultural education, tourism expansion, local economy and employment opportunities to the local board area for the local community and visitors.
The funds will go towards the $2,042,000 needed to complete the four studios, each of which will provide a different environment:
Wāhi Mahi studio one: Whakairo Carving School with two or three aspiring young carvers receiving tuition from renowned Carvers.
Wāhi Mahi studio two: Raranga Studio exhibiting weaving skills and possible workshops for potential weavers of the future.
Wāhi Mahi studio three: Taa Moko Studio with Taa Moko (traditional tattooing) exponents delivering practice services and student learning opportunities for youth placements.
Wāhi Mahi studio four: Rongoā Studio providing Māori healing through traditional massages and approved natural medicinal products.
The Te Māhurehure Marae
Te Māhurehure Cultural Marae Society was built on land purchased in Rangi Mata-Rau (Point Chevalier) and opened in 1969 by descendants from Waimā Tuhirangi in the Hokianga, who were living away from home.
Since then, it has expanded to become a smart, modern Marae with different whare and facilities that deliver a cultural gathering place to host whānau, public, professionals, tourists and visitors; education including a learning centre, workshops, language classes and overnight stays; social housing; health and social services; sports and venue hire.
The marae has also supported homeless whānau from the Pt Chevalier town centre area to be housed and engaged in work. It also provides social support to whānau in need through the delivery of food packages and support to access school uniforms and technology devices to ensure rangatahi are attending school.
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