The History of Ngaa Hau e Whaa Marae o Pukekohe

From humble beginnings with a group of dedicated whaanau and community leaders, our marae has flourished into a dynamic and growing community hub

Since 1959

In 1959, Ngaa Hau E Whaa Community Hall was opened by the late Rt. Hon. Sir Walter Nash, Minister of Maaori Affairs following fundraising projects initiated by the Maaori community.

The Community Hall was built on the Pukekohe Maaori School land in Ward Street. This hall served as a “Marae” for the Maaori community for 25 years.In 1972 a committee was formed to raise money for the establishment of a Marae complex for the Maaori community of Pukekohe.

A Marae project steering committee was eventually established with representatives from Ngā Hau E Whā Hall Trustees and Marae Committee:

The Pukekohe Maaori Committee,
Member of Parliament for Franklin,
Pukekohe Borough Councillors and
Department of Maaori Affairs.

The land in Beatty Road, Pukekohe, was declared as a suitable site and was set aside as a Maaori Reservation.

Reconstruction 1984

In 1984, Ngaa Hau E Whaa Community Hall in Ward Street was partly demolished, and the framework was transported to Beatty Road.

The hall was redesigned and reconstructed as the Marae Wharenui.

Ngaa Hau E Whaa O Pukekohe Society (Incorporated) was formed in 1984 under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908, with fifteen trustees duly elected to access government and community funding.

Reopening 1989

Te Arikinui Kuini Te Ataairangikaahu opened the Marae complex on 30th September 1989. Ngaa Hau E Whaa was the name given to our wharenui.
The Wharekai was also opened on the 30th September 1989, jointly by Te Arikinui, Kuini Te Ataairangikaahu and the Rt Hon W.F.Birch, Member of parliament for Franklin.