21/12/2024
Kia ora e te whānau,
As we reflect on 2024, we're filled with gratitude for the progress we've made together. Our shared vision for Ōniao Marae has taken significant steps forward, thanks to the collective effort of our whānau.
Progress
Regained Charitable Status: On 19 December 2024, we successfully regained our charitable status, a crucial step in securing funding and partnerships to support the marae's revitalisation.
Bank AML Compliant: On 10 December we became fully compliant with AML laws and banking regulations.
New Trustees Appointed, finally: On 3 December 2024, the Māori Land Court confirmed the appointment of our new trustees: Linda Stewart, Huhana Annette Halkett, Charlene Peita, Grant Ngahana Savage, Paora Paatu Hunia, Wayne Te Kaawa, and Kererua Savage. Their expertise and passion will be invaluable in guiding the marae's future.
Technical Reports: Block survey, geotechnical feasibility study, waste water, power infrastructure, flood risk, all completed. Concept designs by architect firm Ōrua, in progress.
Engaging with Whānau: We’ve reconnected with our whānau through hui in Kawerau, Rotorua, attended a Kura Reo at Hahura Marae, and via Zoom. These gatherings, held throughout the year, have been vital for sharing updates, gathering feedback, and fostering a sense of community.
Ngā Pou e Toru – The Marae Development Plan
Poutokomanawa: Reviving Cultural Foundations Guided by its rich history as a place of healing, unity, and spiritual significance, we are dedicated to revitalising cultural practices with care and collaboration. During the engagement hui, the overwhelming feedback was that people want to wananga. Before wānanga begin, we are prioritising foundational kōrero to ensure the work honours the mauri and legacy of the marae. These conversations will establish a solid foundation for wānanga later in 2025, focusing on te reo Māori, marae kawa, whakapapa, and governance. Through this deliberate approach, we aim to preserve and strengthen Ōniao’s cultural integrity for future generations.
Pou Maraenui: Advancing Physical Revitalisation - Ōniao Marae's geotechnical feasibility study confirms the site’s suitability for development, allowing progress on crucial projects like rebuilding the wharekai and ablution block and upgrading infrastructure to future-proof against climate change impacts (Stratum Consultants, 2024). However, the design stage is critical and requires careful consideration of three key elements: getting the technical aspects right, embedding tikanga and kawa into every facet of the design, and ensuring the finances are secured to fund this vision. Balancing these factors is challenging but essential..
Pou Whakahaere: Strengthening Governance Excellence Our Pou Whakahaere focuses on building robust governance systems that ensure transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. With an experienced board at the helm, we are dedicated to sound management and financial stability. While 2024 has laid a strong foundation, 2025 will bring significant milestones as we continue to uphold and enhance the mana of Ōniao Marae through thoughtful governance.
Together, these Pou form the framework for Ōniao Marae’s gradual transformation.
Looking Ahead to 2025
In early 2025, we'll be:
Working on the Design: We're fortunate to be working with with Matekitatahi Rawiri from Ōrua Architects to design a marae complex that honours our past and future. The priority is the wharekai and infrastructure. The wharenui is in good shape. Balancing technical requirements, tikanga, kawa, and the legacy of our tūpuna is a complex task. We're determined to ensure the design is both practical and spiritually meaningful, while staying within budget. Here's the website for Ōrua Architects https://orua.nz/
Securing Funding: Putting in funding applications to the Oranga Marae Fund administered by DIA and TPK, Bay Trust, and Rotorua Trust to help fund our revitalisation. We have a funding plan in place which will require hours of application writing so we appreciate any expertise in this area to help us.
Strengthening Connections: Engaging with connected hapū.
We’ll be honouring our original seven tūpuna trustees: Wharepapa Petera, Hapimana Harawira, Waiparapara Te Ngako, Patikura Wetini Te Waara, Haimona Te Kohu, Hoani Te Reekino, and Horiana Te Reekino. These tupuna, along with Pitiroi Mohi of Taupō laid the foundation for the governance of our marae, ensuring its legacy for future generations.
Engagement: Hosting hui in Matatā, Umutahi Marae, and online to connect with our whānau. We've heard feedback and will be offering online options to make our hui more accessible.
We're excited about the future of Ōniao Marae and the opportunities that lie ahead.
Ka taea rānei e mātou te tono i tō āwhina? / Can we please ask for your help?
👉 If you haven’t already, please take a moment to fill out the form. Don’t forget to share it with your whānau and post it in your Whānau Facebook groups. We’re close to reaching 100 registrations!
📋 Fill Out the Form – If you have skills or a business, please let us know in the form as well.
We’d also love it if you could like and follow our page by clicking here and invite your whānau to follow too.
Lastly, we are seeking an experienced graphic designer to assist us with a pro bono logo design, visual identity and branding guidelines. This logo will not only enhance our corporate communications but also serve as a cornerstone for the marae’s visual identity, including signage across the complex and online platforms. If you or someone you know can help, please let us know. Like all of you, we'll all be on a break but mid January, we'll start getting back into the swing of things.
Finally, stay safe, take time to refresh, and strive to be an exceptional whānau member—one that our tūpuna, who sacrificed so much, would be proud of. Meri Kirihimete me te Tau Hou Pākehā ki a koutou katoa
Mauriora ki a tātou katoa
The Trustees of Ōniao Marae Reservation
‘puritia i te aka matua, kia whitirere ake, ko te Kauwae-runga, ko te Kauwae-raro, kia tāwhia, kia tāmaua, kia ita i roto i a Rua-i-te-pukenga, a Rua-i-te-horahora, a Rua-i-te-wanawana, a Rua-matua taketake o Tane.’(He oriori mo Tūteremoana) Imbued in mātauranga Māori, ŌRUA aims to create ...
