About Us
About Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae o Pukekohe
Whiti mai nga hau o te Kiingitanga, Whiti mai nga hau o nga tuupuna. Kia kotahi te manawa, Kia tau te rangimaarie ki runga i a taatou. E ara e te maramatanga o Ururangi, E kawe nei i a taatou ki mua. He kotahitanga, he mana, he mauri ora. Haumi ee! Hui ee! Taaiki ee!
Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae o Pukekohe stands as a living expression of mana, manaakitanga and whanaungatanga, grounded in the whenua of Tainui and the mana whenua of Ngaati Tamaoho.
Situated on the northern outskirts of Pukekohe, the Marae has long served as a gathering place for Maaori from the “four winds” – ngaa waka katoa o Aotearoa – who came to this rohe in search of opportunity, belonging, and community.
Our Beginnings
Our story begins in 1959 with the opening of Ngaa Hau e Whaa Community Hall, built through the collective effort and fundraising of the Maaori community. For 25 years, this hall functioned as a marae in all but name, hosting hui, tangihanga, celebrations and community events.
In the early 1970s, a vision emerged to establish a permanent marae complex. Through decades of commitment, advocacy and collaboration with iwi, government and local leaders, land at Beatty Road was set aside as a Maaori Reservation.
In 1989, the Marae complex was formally opened by Te Arikinui Kuini Te Ataairangikaahu, cementing Ngaa Hau e Whaa as a turangawaewae for generations to come.
Our Achievements
Since that time, Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae has achieved much. The Marae has provided a safe cultural space, upheld Tainui tikanga and kawa, and supported whaanau through times of joy and grief alike.
In recent years, significant milestones have included major marae redevelopment and compliance works, upgrades to wharenui and wharekai facilities, digital connectivity, housing improvements for kaumatua, and the successful delivery of hauora, rangatahi, matauranga and community programmes. These achievements reflect strong governance, whaanau engagement, and enduring partnerships with funders and supporters.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, our aspirations are guided by the vision of Ururangi – the nature of the four winds: Kia tupu, kia hua, kia puaawai.
Our future focus centres on four interwoven pou: Whenua and Facilities, Rangatiratanga, Sustainability, and Matauranga.
We are committed to strengthening whaanau identity and leadership, advancing kura Maaori and whare waananga pathways, developing hauora and housing initiatives, and building a self-sustaining marae that flourishes socially, culturally, environmentally and economically.
Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae is, and will always be, a place of return – where whakapapa is honoured, whaanau are nurtured, and future generations are empowered to stand strong in who they are.
To get involved in our projects or to learn more, please get in touch.
