Our marae is a tuurangawaewae for the Maaori community of Pakuranga, and a place for the wider community to learn about Maaori culture and customs. We have a strong focus on education and visitors will enjoy a unique Maaori experience that is welcoming and supportive of them as they enter the Maaori world and develop their understanding of tikanga and the Maaori world. Te Tahawai Marae runs in-house Maaori culture workshops for primary, secondary, and tertiary students, as well as being available for hui, noho marae, and tangi. Formal occasions on this marae such as tangihanga and poowhiri follow the kawa (protocols) of Tainui. The wharenui, Te Wai O Paaoa, links to the great ancestor, Paaoa, of the people of Ngati Paaoa of Hauraki. The wharenui, demonstrates the rich heritage of Maori arts and crafts, including an outstanding collection of whakairo (carvings), painted koowhaiwhai (traditional motifs) and tukutuku (weaving) panels. Our whakairo were created by a team of carvers led by the late Dr P**i Harrison, one of New Zealand's most prestigious carvers, and represent many iwi from around Aotearoa, as well as traditional Maaori histories and stories.
