A Givealittle page has been started to help raise funds to renovate a marae on the East Coast. The whānau of Hinemaurea ki Wharekahika says it is an opportunity to further progress the work planned alongside Marae DIY in May, and will give family members scattered throughout the world the chance to contribute if they can't make it home to help.
A message is being sent to Wharekahika iwi members far and wide, to donate and support their marae, Hinemaurea.
Marae Funding Committee member Ani Pahuru-Huriwai says every month and year there were big jobs to do.
"But how can we do it? The five or six people at the marae back here can't afford it and this is a poor area. We do not have the funds necessary to renovate all on our own."
A Givealittle page has been created, and those living away from home support the fundraising idea.
"Many of us live around the country and around the world so for those living overseas it's an opportunity for them to contribute, even if they can't make it home", Tamara Pahuru says.
Harley Roberts agrees saying whanau should get on-board and it was as simple as "a couple of clicks".
Very few people live near the marae, which is located at the tip of The East Coast.
Marae DIY will arrive in May but the Givealittle funds will go towards further renovations planned for the summer.
Ani says she hopes it reminds people the marae is here and hard work is needed to take care of it.
"So when they do make it back home it is here waiting for them and the home fires were still buring".
Today donations reached $2000 with the hope that this figure will rise in the coming weeks.