Message from the trustees
He Koorero Naa Ngaa Kaitiaki o te Marae
Whakataka te hau ki te uru, Whakataka te hau ki te tonga. Kia maakinakina ki uta, Kia maataratara ki tai. E hii ake ana te atakura. He tio, he huka, he hauhunga. Haumi ee! Hui ee! Taaiki ee!
We extend our thanks to every whaanau member, kaumaatua, rangatahi, volunteer, supporter, and ally who has helped uplift the marae in both seen and unseen ways. Whether through attending hui, contributing ideas, giving koha, maintaining the grounds, supporting cultural events, preparing kai, or simply carrying the wairua of Ngaa Hau e Whaa wherever you go. Your mahi matters and is appreciated.
Our marae exists because generations before us worked hard so we could stand here today on our turangawaewae o Pukekohe. We honour their legacy by continuing to protect, strengthen, and evolve the marae for future generations.
He Ngaakau Whakawhetai – Our Gratitude
E te whaanau whaanui o Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae o Pukekohe, teenaa koutou, teenaa taatou katoa.
As Trustees, we have the privilege and responsibility of carrying the kaupapa, strategy, and future direction of the marae on behalf of our whaanau, hapuu and iwi. It is a role grounded in service, guided by tikanga, and strengthened by the aroha and resilience of our community.
Today, we share our gratitude, reflect on recent progress, and invite every member of our whaanau to join in as we move into an exciting new chapter.
Sustaining Our Strategic Direction
Reflecting on this past year, it has been a period of significant growth and strategic planning. With strong guidance from our community and continued commitment from the Trustees, several key developments are now underway.
→ Sustaining our strategic direction:
We have been working on long-term visioning to ensure the marae remains a centre of cultural, educational, and social wellbeing for our people. This includes reviewing governance structures, enhancing operational planning, and ensuring our tikanga and values remain at the heart of every decision.
Upgrades to Facilities and Infrastructure
Our physical spaces are receiving focused attention so they can better meet the needs of whānau. This includes improvements to accessibility, ongoing maintenance, sustainability initiatives, and future-proofing the marae to support events, tangihanga, celebrations, wānanga, and wider community gatherings.
Expanding Community Programmes
We are exploring several initiatives that directly reflect the aspirations expressed by our people. These programmes focus on cultural revitalisation, hauora, education, youth development, and whānau support. Each initiative is designed to create meaningful opportunities for learning, connection, and collective uplift.
Strengthened Partnerships
We continue to build and strengthen quality relationships with local schools, council, iwi groups, government agencies, and community organisations. These partnerships enable us to advocate effectively for our people, secure vital resources, and create pathways for projects aligned with our kaupapa.
Looking Ahead
These developments mark only the beginning. With the continued energy, commitment, and participation of our whānau, the next phase for Ngā Hau e Whā will be one of sustained growth, unity, and mana motuhake.
He Karanga ki te Whaanau – An Invitation to Be Involved
Our marae is at its strongest when its people are present ‘a kanohi’. We warmly invite all whaanau to reconnect, participate with your voice and skills. Whether you can help with planning, events, volunteering, fundraising, cultural waananga, or simply attending and reconnecting, your presence enriches the kete of collective knowledge and strengthens the foundation we stand on.
No contribution is too small. Anything you can do helps ensure that Ngaa Hau e Whaa marae continues to be a centre of belonging and manaakitanga
Kia Kotahi Te Hoe – Moving Forward Together
Together, through the collective efforts of whaanau, hapuu and iwi, we can shift Ngaa Hau e Whaa marae into a new generation of advancement encompassing economic and social development, cultural pride, and community strength.
Noo reira, e te whaanau, nau mai, hoki mai, uru mai. Join us, stand with us, and help shape the future of our marae.
Ngaa manaakitanga,
Ngaa Kaitiaki / The Trustees of Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae o Pukekohe