The mana whenua hapū of Ngāmotu have marked an historic milestone with the turning of the soil ceremony for the Ngāmotu Marae, taking a momentous step toward establishing a cultural and spiritual home in the city after a wait of more than 150 years. This central city marae is envisioned as a vital educational resource and a catalyst for Taranaki’s cultural and economic future.
The entire project is estimated to cost $15 million, with $9.2 million already raised through multiple donations facilitated by the Taranaki Foundation. Civil and infrastructure works have now begun, with the construction phase expected to take more than a year.
Momentous occasion and community effort
Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū Society Chair, Sheldon Healy, reflected on the significance of the day, emphasising the journey and the collective effort required.
“It’s been a momentous occasion for the whānau, a long time coming to be here on this whenua representing our past, representing the present and the future that’s what’s kept us moving forward,” Healy said.
Healy also highlighted the significant community support that has driven the project forward, including a 15-month construction timeframe.
“Takes a village to do what we’ve done today. This is definitely not a one person job or even a two person job it’s definitely taken a village to get here, I acknowledge the past without them we wouldn’t have anything today,” he said.
Reflecting on the financial journey, which included everything from securing small items to major fundraising, Healy added, “To not have a marae for over 150 years and then to help be a part of a team organising from getting tea towels to raising the pūtea required. So far nine and a half million dollars to get that it’s been a journey.”
Te moemoeā o ngā tūpuna me te anamata
Kia roa ngā tūpuna o Ngāti Te Whiti hapū o Te Ātiawa iwi e wawatahia ana ki tū anō ai he marae kāinga ki Ngāmotu hei tā Shane Cassidy, te Pou Tikanga mō Ngāti Te Whiti.
“Te pūtake o tēnei kaupapa nei, he tino whakahirahira i pā ana ki tō mātou nei hapū a Ngāti Te Whiti, i rongo koe kotahi rau iwa te whā ngā tau kua hiahia ana mātou he hanga he marae,” hei tā Shane anō.
“He moemoeā o rātou mā ngā tupuna o tātou he tino moemoeā,” hei tāna anō.
“Whakahuakina te huarahi, te kēti o te tai hauauru ka puta mai ngā mokopuna katoa o tātou koina te mea kei waenganui mātou hanga he marae hei te wā i hanga ana te marae mō rātou ngā whakatipuranga, ngā mokopuna o tātou.”