Extensive work is underway at Rangitahi Marae in Murupara to upgrade their wharekai (dining hall), with hopes it will attract more tourists, conferences and private functions once complete.

Marae Chairman John Toe Toe says the $1m+ project is now well underway, with BayTrust having just contributed $156,105 from their Community Amenities Fund to purchase new tables and chairs, and construct a solid shelter across pathways to protect people from the elements. 

“Our facility is 43 years-old and it’s stood the test of time but things started breaking down. There’s an extreme amount of stuff to do to modernise, make it energy efficient and equip it so we can look after people well into the future. On big occasions, we can seat 300 people in there. We can actually cater for thousands of people if we have more than one sitting.”

While weddings, birthday celebrations and tangi are frequently held on site, John says tourism is providing a growing income stream and the marae is keen to hire out their facilities for conferences and other community events in future. 

“Local award-winning tourism venture, Kohutapu Lodge, is bringing people to our marae to look at modern Māori practices in an authentic way. Sometimes we have overnight stays with different tourist groups so providing a meal is really important.

“We would like to host more New Zealanders here too because there are a lot of great things about Murupara. We had six buses a week coming into the area before Covid. Since then, we’ve had four or five buses a week. The numbers aren’t huge yet but it’s growing.”

 An aerial shot of Rangitahi Marae.

In addition to new plumbing and electrical wiring, all new cooking equipment will be purchased to help efficiently cater for large crowds without it being as labour intensive as in the past.

John says the extra funding from BayTrust is greatly appreciated and the project management team is “over the moon” to receive the financial support.

“You wouldn't believe how happy we are. When we spoke about the money coming in from BayTrust there was amazement. We hoped that we would get some money but the amount they gave us… well, there was so much happiness and gratitude.”

Wharekai outside dining hall before the refurbishment.

BayTrust CEO Alastair Rhodes says hospitality goes to the very heart of Māori culture and the Community Amenities Fund is designed to support intergenerational assets.

“The refurbishment of Rangitahi Marae’s wharekai will make a real difference to the Murupara community for generations to come. It’s a place to gather in celebration and in times of sadness, to support one another, to learn, and to foster Māori language, culture and identity. 

“We are thrilled we can financially support this project and will look forward to seeing the new and improved wharekai unveiled early next year.”