Manurewa Marae

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The developement of the Manurewa Marae

1973

A group of young families met together to discuss a dream. To build a bicultural Marae where all people can gather, to meet, to sing, to cry and to learn, but mainly perhaps to understand and help one another in making our society today and in the future a more harmonious place to live in. There are many people, both Maori and Pakeha who feel that unless we teach and preserve all aspects Maori it will be lost forever.

The first public meeting was advertised in the local paper, to be held at St Lukes and invited a representative from the Department of Maori Affairs. Two committees evolved from this meeting; a steering committee and a fund raising and social committee.

The outcomes for these committees was fundraising and gathering support namely from Tangata Whenua and the Manukau City Council. Importantly at this time a delegation met and spoke with Nani Tura at Te Puea Marae seeking Tainui blessing to proceed with the vision, we left with great joy as she gave her blessing and the first donation to the establishment of the Marae project in the form of 2 pounds. Kia ora Nani Tura... from this we were able to cement our relationship with Tangata Whenua, of Te Waiohua. Meetings with Sir Lloyd Elsmore and the City manager Ron Wood formed an ongoing relationship with the Manukau City Council culminating in support for 4 acres in Roscommon/Browns Road area.

Fundraising soon became an integral part of the vision towards the Marae. Support from sports clubs, churches, the Kiwiani's Jaycees, schools, firms too numerous to name and the local community. The project became registered under the name: "Manurewa Marae Project Society Incorporated"

1975

The official opening of the premises at 23a Massey Road (now Maich Road) where fundraising i.e. Housie continued on a regular basis, not only for the Marae but for other community organisations.

1978

Sign erected on the land in Finlayson Avenue, designated for the Marae Complex. Removed three times by unknown persons.

1984

In the Hamilton Land Court the land was gazetted as Maori Reservation for the purpose of a Marae site for the common use and benefit of the people of Manurewa. The names of the Trustees presented were approved as the Manurewa Marae Trustees to administer the Marae complex.

30/9/84 LAND DEDICATION a very very wet day!!! Tangata Whenua - The Wilson Whanau, Powhiri, Tainui Representatives, Sir Barry Curtis, Manukau City Councillors and staff, local dignitaries and the local schools and community. An emotional day for the project committee and trust. The first sod of soil was placed in a special container and entrusted by Rua Copper to the care of Alex Whaiapu to be placed in the foundations of the Wharenui upon its construction. The handing over of the land Certificate for the Marae by Sir Barry Curtis to the Marae Kaumatua Albert Walters.

1985

Commencement of the building of the Whare Kai undertaken by C.F. Cameron Architect and Engineer S Baillie.

1989

Opening of Matukutureia by the Tainui Representative for Dame Te Atairangikaahu Mrs Sophie Muru, supported by Kaumatua Rua Cooper, Pumi Taitua and Sir Barry Curtis Mayor of Manukau City, councillors, staff, local dignitaries, communities from the wider Manukau region, A TRULY WONDERFUL DAY!!!!!!!!

1992

Grant of $200,000 gratefully received from the Lotteries Board towards the construction of the whare kai Matukutureia.

A Grant of $311,000 gratefully received from the ASB Trust towards the construction of the Wharenui and the second building. Contracted to Hawkins Ltd

A Grant of $100,000 gratefully received from Wiri Licensing Trust towards the carvings, tukutuku panels and whakairo.

Tohunga Paki Harrisson, his wife Hinemoa and their children bestowed their creative knowledge, artistic skills and talents, along with Peter Boyd current lecturer in Nga Mahi Toi a Ringa at MIT who provided designs for the tukutuku panels and the beautiful stained glass windows that is the work of Lynley Adams, which was a contribution from the Maori Womens Welfare League of, Nga Wahine Atawhai o Matukutureia.

The Marae trust was very proud to acknowledge the efforts of our young people of Manurewa particularly Nigel Borrell who under the guidance of Paki and Peter who contributed significantly to the kowhaiwhai panels and gives to the vision that the marae is for the seeds of our future.

It is important to acknowledge the efforts of the many Whanau who gave their time and support throughout the years towards the vision born by those young Maori Whanau way back in the 1970's.

To those trust members who have passed on, whose efforts, support and contribution will never be forgotten. Former Chairman and councillor Jack Conway, Matua Turner, Bob Tupe, Leo Yates and Steve Baillie to name a few.

Acknowledgement to the former Manurewa Marae Trust until 1995:
Geoge Taipari, Reginald (Doc) Borrell, Alex Whaiapu, Ngahina Te Uira, Audrey Stevens, Chic Peautagitama and Rose Whaiapu, who continued with the determination to overcome years of adversity in all forms through commitment, dedication, and hope for the fruition of the vision:

TO PRESERVE TIKANGA MAORI, FOR OUR PEOPLE IN THE FORM OF A LIVING BREATHING TAONGA BORN FROM PEACE AND HARMONY.

Noreira, e ngo matou rangatira, nga kawai o nga tupuna, tena koutou katoa
Na koutou te kakano i ruiruia mai, mo te aha ke te take
Mo te Iwi whaanui
Tenei ra a Te Poari matua o Manurewa marae, e tuku nei i nga mihi kia koutou
Nga mea o koutou kua ngaro ki te po, moe mai ra i to koutou moenga roa
Kia koutou e pupuru tonu ana i nga whakaaro i whakatoongia ketia i roto i te hinengaro
O tena, o tena, nga mihi maioha teneki kia koutou katoa, tena koutou, tena koutou
Otira, tena tatou katoa

Paimarire

Eru Thompson