Ngā Tauira marae opens on UoA city campus

A dawn ceremony on Saturday morning, 10 August, marked the official re-opening of Tūtahi Tonu wharenui at its new city campus location. Relocated from the University Epsom Campus’ Te Aka Matua ki Te Pou Hawaiki Marae, Tūtahi Tonu wharenui now stands at its new home between the Barracks Wall lawn and Old Government House, and diagonally across from Old Choral Hall.

The marae has been gifted a new name ‘Ngā Tauira’ by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei – ‘A place for all to stand’ – reflecting the unique identity and spirit of the marae and its connections with Waipapa Marae.

The establishment of the new marae has been undertaken as part of the broader relocation of the Education and Social Work (EDSW) faculty. The Wharenui and Wharekai is located on the ground floor of the existing B113 with new Te Korowai Atawhai spaces adjacent. Level 1 houses Te Puna Wananga and Pasifika Success spaces.

Many of the wharenui’s whakairo (carvings) have been delicately refurbished by master carver Katz Maihi (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Ngāpuhi) and installed in their new home. Reflecting the diverse cultures of the University’s student body, these carvings contribute to creating a welcoming learning environment.

The reopening of Tūtahi Tonu marks the start of a new chapter for Māori education at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland. Principal lecturer and director of Māori medium education Hēmi Dale (Te rarawa, Te Aupōuri) says, “The wharenui is a physical representation of the students’ dreams and aspirations to become speakers of te reo Māori, to know about tikanga Māori and to engage in mātauranga Māori. Tūtahi Tonu reminds us that we live collectively in the past, the present and the future and that when we stand together we can do so much more.”

Designed by Architectus in association with Design Tribe.