Hau Ariki: Our marae 2020 and beyond
Hau Ariki is a unique meeting space for community in Martinborough and it has developed a charter as a strong foundation for its aspirations in 2020 and beyond, which community are invited to comment on. As an institution in Martinborough initiated by community for community, Hau Ariki has impact for Māori and non-Māori. The charter signals a move towards a higher level of accountability, clarity of its role, and a pathway for future development.
Trustee Chair Trevor Hawkins acknowledges “The refurbishment of the marae broadcast on reality show Marae DIY, highlighted to the committee the strong endorsement of local and wider community in Hau Ariki. The charter follows on from this endorsement. Though the charter is a big step that might take a while to fully realise, it sends a strong signal about the direction of the marae for the community and I believe we have the people young and old who can take this forward.”
Marae administrator Kevin Haunui explains, “It is not well known that Hau Ariki is a community marae used by hundreds of people both Māori and non-Māori. It provides a multi-purpose venue that offers accommodation, large kitchen and dining facilities and a meeting space in a fully carved meeting house. The charter will help the marae to guide its operations effectively and efficiently given its diverse range of needs.”
Marae use ranges widely from charity book sales, night classes in Te Reo (Maori language), Taiaha training, Maori language immersion gatherings for Te Wananga o Aotearoa students, college and school marae experiences, regional conferences, sporting groups, social occasions, funerals, seasonal accommodation for vineyard workers, planting and shearing groups. In addition, Hau Ariki supports a number of Māori initiatives in the region such as the Wairarapa Māori Sports Awards and Wairarapa Kapa Haka Group, Te Rangiura o Wairarapa.
Says Kevin, “Strong relationships and investment in local Māori whānau, hapū and iwi aspirations, as well as the Martinborough community, are sources of wellbeing for Hau Ariki – one does not exist without the other but it takes patience. For example the relationship with mana whenua Ngāti Hikawera, is important to build upon as an ongoing commitment of support and assistance towards their future, as they are part of the future for Hau Ariki and Martinborough.”
The Draft Charter for Hau Ariki marae is currently open for submissions and community are invited to comment by January 16, 2020. Submissions can be delivered by email to hauariki@gmail.com, by post to PO Box 165, Martinborough or to Marae committee members. A copy of the charter is available to view in Martinborough at the Library, Information Centre, Council Office and Kitchener’s Dairy and Cafe. It is also available to view and download from the marae website www.hauariki.com
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