Waikato-Tainui are holding a series of hui seeking input from iwi members on a draft Marae Development Plan, with a 3 year goal of self-sufficient Waikato-Tainui marae.
Ihumātao locals in South Auckland have already implemented a few schemes at their Makaurau Marae, as part of their Strategic Plan, which includes a Kōhanga Reo and Nursery.
Ike Rākena, Kaitiaki of Te Kōhanga Reo o Makaurau says, “The desire to set up our own Kōhanga Reo came from our elders, who saw that our grandchildren were attending Kōhanga reo outside their area, and that they had the facilities, they should teach them themselves.”
Rākena says they teach and nurture the children in Waikato dialect, customs and protocol. He says their long term vision is that their descendants will go on to take care of the marae.
Another initiative they have is a Nursery.
Tracey Sanday has been the Nursery’s Manager since 2009, and says one of their goals is to restore their marae environment back to its pristine condition.
Sanday says “Their specialty is growing native harakeke, with a focus to growing other native plants, with the long-term goal of being self-sustainable.”
They are also looking at acquiring contracts with local council’s and business to sell the native plantation to.
All Waikato-Tainui tribal members are invited to share their views about their priorities for marae development at the meetings:
Te Puea Marae - Friday 25 September, 6pm
Motakotako Marae - Monday 28 September, 6pm
Raungaiti Marae - Wednesday 30 September, 6pm
Nga Hau e Wha Marae - Monday 5 October, 6pm
Mangatoatoa Marae - Monday 12 October, 6pm
Waahi Paa Marae - Wednesday 14 October, 6pm