Hau Ariki Marae “Calling for Support”

On 22^nd April, 20 people attended an information meeting held in the Supper Room of the Waihinga Centre, where Kevin Haunui, Chair of the Marae Committee, outlined a vision for the Hau Ariki Marae, stressing the need for strong governance to prepare for a robust and firm future. Marae are a key feature of Māori society.  Hau Ariki Marae is a storehouse of history, mātauranga (knowledge) and taonga (treasures). A venue for life celebrations and the provision of health, education, justice and social services.  

Because of its unique position as a marae for Māori and the wider community, Hau Ariki marae is, and has always been a place for all to come together. Looking forward, Hau Ariki Marae wants to strengthen its role to meet the needs of the community.     

Hence the call for Trustees, people with business, governance, communication or strategic thinking skills, energy, and experience. Volunteers who can give their time towards governance together with people of standing on the marae knowledgeable in tikanga and kawa.

Nominations for Trustees will be opened on the 29^thMay, closing on the 21^st of June. Trustees will be elected and appointed at the AGM on the 26^thJune.  

A total of 5 Trustees will be elected.

Attendees at the meeting represented a wide range of backgrounds, including those who have lived and worked in Martinborough for a long time; teaching and health professionals, business studies students, as well as those working in the hospitality sector or with the elderly and the disadvantaged. Others have recently moved to Martinborough and wanted to help by enriching the community for both Maori and Pakeha, simultaneously providing their children with an opportunity to be proud of their ancestry and history. Several people indicated their interest but were unable to attend the meeting.

The call for Trustees is an opportunity to become involved with developing Hau Ariki Marae for the future.  For more information about the Trustees role, Hau Ariki Marae and its vision or if you would like a nomination form to be elected as a Trustee please contact 

Kevin Haunui, Marae Committee Chair on 021 626 065 or hauariki@gmail.com