Local marae with in the Waiariki region were exposed to businesses and services today at the Marae Expo held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre. From financing to funeral options providing information was the key to the event.
Te Puni Kōkiri, Bay of Plenty Regional Council along with Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa are running the event in the Waiariki region. Stephen Te Moni of Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa says, “It’s about providing help for marae with in our region in regards to the future."
The first Marae Expo for marae was held in Palmerston North in 2012. Te Papa Tākaro o Te Arawa adopted the concept to run a similar event here in Rotorua. Inviting local businesses like Mountain View Funeral Services. Its director Erin MacDonald says, "It’s about providing options for our people when death hits the family.”
Apa Architects have worked with a number of Marae in the Waiariki and believe that Marae are sometimes at a disadvantage. "The fact of the matter is that a lot of rustees are voluntary," says Aladina A Harunani of Apa Architects.
The Marae Expo began last night and finishes up last this afternoon, plans are underway to make this a biennial event.