Manurewa Marae

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Mary-Ann Harris - Marae Manager

Mary-Ann Harris - Marae Manager

Ko Hokianga a Kupe aku moana
Ko Ngatokimatawhauroa aku waka
Ko whiria aku Maunga
Ko Whirinaki aku awa
Ko Matai-ara-nui aku marae
No Ngapuhi ahau

Whaea Mary-Ann's role is to manage the daily operations on the marae. This includes managing the hirers, whanau and the community workers. Whaea Mary-Ann also attends community hui to promote the Marae and the upcoming events that are happening on the marae.

Personal history

I am a mother of two and a grandmother of four. My children attended local schools from primary to secondary school and my grandchildren are now starting to attend local schools as well. I have lived in the Manurewa area for the last 20 years and during that time I have become a fairly active member in the community.

Some of the projects I have been involved in within the community are:

• Community Renewal (HNZ) this was a project to assist the community of Clendon to overcome some of the stigma placed upon our community by media, youth crime, vandalism and truancy.
• Clendon Residents Group (CRG) this is a group of local residents whom have formed an incorporated society and have been performing small tasks within the community for the last four years. I was the Chairperson for this group for a period of two years. We have a tool library, a toy library for the community and a veggie garden which we share throughout the community this garden is a joint project with our local Pacific community group.
• Manurewa marae I have been a trustee for the marae for the last three years and believe the marae has only just begun its new journey.

What do I have to offer the marae?

• My experience as the present Kaitiaki
• My community networks
• My manaaki
• My life skills
• My tikanga as taught to me by my parents and grandparents
• My commitment

As you would have noticed in my brief that I am an active community member and as an active community member I would be committed to performing on behalf of the wider community of Manurewa being the beneficiaries of the marae. The last three years has been a wonderful journey of learning's and fulfilment for me. I feel that the board has delivered to the needs of the community in many ways. While we went through trial and tribulations in the beginning we have overcome many barriers that have enabled us to re-awaken the marae. The skills that came to the marae over the last three years has been paramount to the awakening and continuous journey of the marae and I would be honoured to once again be a part of this journey as a trustee.

My personal goal is to see more whanau coming to the marae, and participating with the growth and management of the marae. My vision to support in any way possible, so that the Marae can be self sufficient, and is fill of people from the community, and programmes are running continuously throughout the week.

Naku, noa

Mary-Ann Harris