A Marae

The original name used by Maori which described their village area and generally had several buildings was a ‘pa’.   In today’s urban environment the word ‘Marae’ is more commonly used.

A Marae is a Maori community facility that usually consists of a meeting house that is named after an ancestor, a dining room with kitchen facilities as well as the Marae atea (sacred space in front of the meeting house); and bathroom facilities. The Marae is a symbol of tribal identity. It is a meeting place where people can discuss and debate various issues and is considered by Maori as a turangawaewae - a standing place, a place of belonging.

Te Manukanuka o Hoturoa

Our Marae has a number of important purposes.  In essence it is to 'provide a cultural heart at the airport - a place to enhance and share Maori history with all visitors, both local and international.' A special purpose is to provide a place for tupapaku, deceased and bereaved whanau.  Hei awhina i te pani me te pouaru; a culturally sensitive environment for the bereaved family.

Other important purposes are to host official functions including welcoming and farewelling visiting dignitaries; to engage cultural and social activities; to provide educational programmes, and to contribute to the airport facilitation in emergency situations.