Help us replace our taonga whakairo

126 years ago our tīpuna, Tamahau Mahupuku, commissioned the carving of a number of whakairo around our pā during the time of the Kotahitanga Māori Parliament. These whakairo are a defining feature of our pā. They hold history, whakapapa, and kōrero.

They are taonga.

Today, many of them are in need of urgent repair and restoration. Time, weather, and age have taken their toll.

We have managed to secure enough funding to cover the labour and associated costs to restore two of the whakairo. However, there are more than 20 carvings that still require restoration. This is a large and long-term project that will take many years and many thousands of dollars. Like many marae across Aotearoa, we rely on whānau who give their time freely, and fundraise to keep the marae operating and cared for. While this mahi sustains our day-to-day needs, it is not enough to cover the scale and cost of a long-term restoration project of this size.

Our marae cannot do this alone. Without additional support, we will not be able to properly preserve and restore these taonga for future generations.

By donating, you are helping to protect irreplaceable whakairo and the stories they carry. Every contribution — supports the careful restoration and replacement of these carvings and is an act of collective kaitiakitanga. And, as they were built to signify, kotahitanga. Unity.

Together, we can ensure these taonga endure for generations to come.

E mihi ana ki a koutou. Ngā mihi nui for your support.