Join us in helping to save our iconic, historic Rātana Whare Whakamoemiti in Raetihi
Join us on the long journey to save our historic, iconic Raetihi taonga Taku Whare Tuatahi
Raetihi, Manawatu-Wanganui
Matua Tama Wairua Tapu me ngā Anahera Pono me te Māngai ae!
“I stand inside the bell tower ringing the bell for whakamoemiti. I wonder why it hasn’t fallen” - Āpotoro Rēhita Robert Williams
To our small rural community of Raetihi our iconic temple is more than just a building, it is our whare, a spiritual taonga that carries great mana. Taku Whare Tuatahi (my first house) was the name gifted to our whare whakamoemiti by Rātana himself when he travelled from the pā opening it in 1926 and for over 100 years our whare whakamoemiti has provided an inspirational place for our community to come together as we share, learn and honour our culture, heritage, history and māramatanga.
In 2017 Aunty Berta Williams shared her dream of a complete restoration, one that not only honoured the historical and architectural importance but, is completed to the highest possible standards.
With the generous support of Sills van Bohemen Architects and a number of experts who have generously donated their expertise we, have spent the last five years developing a proposal for a comprehensive refurbishment that will honour the architectural significance of our temple with the historical sensitivity required. As of May 2022 the total renovation project budget is $998,646 but to qualify for partnership funding our community needs to raise at least one third of the project total, this is our next milestone.
Keen to find out more about our kaupapa? please follow us on social or head to teparihaoraetihi.nz
Use of funds
With five years of planning completed and our building plans finished, all the pūtea raised will directly help us reach the goal needed for funding to be able to begin the construction and urgent renovation or our Whare Whakamoemiti. If we do not meet the required goal all funds will still be going towards the restoration project - all funds will be used to help support building consent, building materials, works towards piling, bell tower construction, heating and insulation.
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Latest update
Praise of encouragement and love!! Where we are now!!! 1 March 2026
Kia ora koutou,
We are excited to share another update on the Te Pāriha o Raetihi Restoration Project.
Thanks to your incredible generosity and awhi, we are continuing to make steady progress toward our funding goal. Each koha, each share, and each word of encouragement strengthens this kaupapa and moves us closer to restoring our historic church for future generations.
At this stage, we have raised a significant portion of the funds needed, and we are actively working on securing additional funding to complete the project. The restoration of this treasured building is not just about preserving timber and nails — it is about protecting our history, our faith, and a sacred space that has held baptisms, weddings, tangihanga, and countless moments of connection for our whānau and community.
Your belief in this vision means everything to us. We are truly humbled by the support shown near and far. Please continue to share our kaupapa and keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we move into the next stage of fundraising.
We will keep you informed as milestones are reached.
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
Ngā mihi nui,
Te Pāriha o Raetihi Restoration Project
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