Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai

18/06/2026

All (solar) systems are go, with energy harnessed from Tama-nui-te-rā shining down on Whakarongotai Marae ☀️

A 10-year dream of the Marae Trustees Chairperson, Aunty Lois, is now a reality with a solar power system installed at the marae in Waikanae.

48 solar panels and a 54kWh battery are boosting the capacity of Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Marae to manaaki whānau and guests in good times, as well as supporting resilience during tough times.

The system means the marae can keep operating during an emergency, such as floods, earthquakes or storms – even when the power grid is down.

Making its home on the roof of the wharekai, it's one of eight buildings across the district to receive solar, through a partnership between Council, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office and EECA (Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority)

12/06/2026

Te Makete Rongoā 🌿

Stock up on your rongoā this Saturday for takurua! ❄️

🗓️ Saturday 13 June 2026
🕙 10AM–1PM
📍 10 Parata Street, Waikanae

Rongoā gift packs, pani, whakawātea, waikohu ora, rongoā rākau & more.

Nau mai, haere mai e te whānau 🌱

27/05/2026

Kārewarewa Urupā Hearings Schedule⬇️

Tēnā tātou e te iwi,

A reminder that hearings are taking place next week in support of protecting Kārewarewa urupā as wāhi tapu from further development.

A schedule has now been confirmed. Day two of the hearings will be held on Thursday 4th June at Whakarongotai Marae, where we, alongside the ART Confederation, will be presenting our submissions.

Schedule for Thursday 4 June:

9.00am – 10.00am
Pōwhiri, followed by a cup of tea and kai

10.00am – 1.00pm
Submission from Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust, supported by WAI 1945 claimants
▫️Ben Ngaia – Chair of Takamore Trust
▫️Kāhuoterangi Ropata – Pou Tikanga Reo
▫️Dr Mahina-a-rangi Baker – Resource Management Advisor

1.00pm – 2.00pm
Lunch

From 2.00pm onwards
▫️Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira
▫️Joint ART Confederation submission
▫️Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki (TBC)
▫️Simon Charles Hayes Leeming
▫️Council officer’s right of reply
▫️Chair wrap-up and closing karakia

We encourage whānau to attend and show support for this important kaupapa. You’re welcome to stay for the full day or attend for the parts you’re able to.
If you haven’t been to the marae before, please arrive in time to join the pōwhiri.

To help us gauge numbers, please RSVP to:
[email protected]

20/05/2026

Tēnā tātou katoa,

Hearings are taking place in the week beginning 2nd June to support the protection of Kārewarewa urupā as wāhi tapu against further development.

Kārewarewa is a site of deep cultural and historical significance, with many of our tūpuna laid to rest there. These hearings are an important step toward ensuring this wāhi tapu is properly protected, recognised, and cared for into the future.

Iwi presentations: Thursday 4th June (time TBC)
Location: Whakarongotai Marae

We encourage whānau to attend and show support for this important kaupapa. You are welcome to stay for the full day, or attend for the parts of the day that you are able to.

For those who haven’t been to the marae before, please arrive in time to join the pōwhiri. We will also be organising a van to support kaumātua with transport. Details on pōwhiri start time and van transport to be confirmed.

To help us gauge numbers, please RSVP to [email protected]

11/05/2026

Application closing date extended to Friday 15 May 🔔

If you or someone you know is interested in the role, please send your CV and Cover Letter to [email protected] 🙌🏽

✨ We Are Hiring ✨

Communications & Projects Support

The Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust is looking for someone organised, creative, and keen to support iwi kaupapa to join our team part‑time (20 hrs/week) for 6 months.

What you’ll do:
▫️ Help with our website refresh and updates
▫️ Support pānui, newsletters, and social media
▫️ Share iwi stories, events, and updates
▫️ Assist with projects, hui, wānanga, and events

About you:
🔺 Proactive, digitally capable, and great at communicating
🔺 Interested in kaupapa Māori and iwi development

Role details:
📍 Kapiti Coast
💼 Salary: $31,148 pro rata
⏰ Fixed term: 6 months

Applications close Friday 15 May, 5PM

To apply, or request a copy of the full job description, please email:
[email protected]

05/05/2026

Our monthly rongoā market day is back this Saturday 10am-1pm 🌿

Stock up on pani, waikohu ora, whakawātea sprays, rongoā rākau and stunning gift packs perfect for Mother’s Day 💖

🌿 Monthly Rongoā Markets 🌿

Starting this Saturday 17 January, we’re excited to launch our monthly rongoā markets for 2026!

Join us at Te Whare o Rongo, a space created to uplift and celebrate the richness of Rongoā Māori for whānau and our wider hapori.

When: Jan 17, Feb 21, Mar 14, Apr 11, May 9, Jun 13
Time: 10AM-1PM
Where: Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Office | 10 Parata St, Waikanae
Cash Only: No eftpos available

This innovative marketplace brings together experienced kairongoā and talented artisans offering mātauranga, advice, and beautiful products designed to nurture and heal.

Nau mai e te hapori whānui!

04/05/2026

✨ We Are Hiring ✨

Communications & Projects Support

The Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai Charitable Trust is looking for someone organised, creative, and keen to support iwi kaupapa to join our team part‑time (20 hrs/week) for 6 months.

What you’ll do:
▫️ Help with our website refresh and updates
▫️ Support pānui, newsletters, and social media
▫️ Share iwi stories, events, and updates
▫️ Assist with projects, hui, wānanga, and events

About you:
🔺 Proactive, digitally capable, and great at communicating
🔺 Interested in kaupapa Māori and iwi development

Role details:
📍 Kapiti Coast
💼 Salary: $31,148 pro rata
⏰ Fixed term: 6 months

Applications close Friday 15 May, 5PM

To apply, or request a copy of the full job description, please email:
[email protected]

01/05/2026

Applications close at midnight on Monday 4th May e te iwi!

24/04/2026

✨ Te Ātiawatanga Wānanga 3 ✨

On Sunday 17th May, we’ll be holding our third Te Ātiawatanga Wānanga, focusing on the kawa and tikanga of the marae.

This will be a chance for whānau to:
• Share experiences and collective knowledge of kawa and tikanga
• Break into small discussion groups
• Explore how these practices support the wellbeing and safety of whānau across different marae settings

🗓 Sunday 17 May
⏰ 10AM – 2PM
📍 Whakarongotai Marae, Waikanae

If you would like to attend, please register by scanning the QR code or by following the link below:
👉 https://forms.office.com/r/GECVrJV4E2?origin=lprLink

For any pātai or enquiries:
📧 [email protected]

Nau mai e te iwi 🙌🏽