MARAE HISTORY
Hitori
LOCATION
and legal Status
Whakapaumahara Marae sits at 1836 Whananaki North Rd.
Whakapaumahara was gazetted as a marae in 1952, set aside for the benefit of Ngāti Rehua, Whānau Whero, Te Akitai hapū, and the wider Ngātiwai iwi. The marae is registered as a Māori reserve under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993. In 2018, Whakapaumahara Marae was registered as a charitable trust.
The constitution sets out processes for the establishment of a marae committee, appointment of trustees and accountability mechanisms. The trustees administer Whakapaumahara Marae for the benefit of marae beneficiaries. This role includes overseeing the management of marae projects, as well as ensuring that marae income is used for the enhancement of Whakapaumahara Marae and its’ beneficiaries.
Formerly known as
Dixieland
Dixieland was known as a gathering place of whānau who lived in Te Wairahi, Whananaki, more affectionately known as ‘the valley’.
The ‘hall’ that was completed in 1952, was established as a community space for whānau gatherings, birthdays, weddings, christenings, sporting, music activities as well as meetings. Overtime, tangi were held there as they are, still today.
The wharenui was built around 1952 and was used as a hall for community purposes. It replaced an older building referred to ‘Dixieland’. The oldest part of the wharekai was built about the same time. The upgrade was made in the 1980’s. The top picture was taken just prior to the completion of the wharenui in 1952.
Seated out the front is Joe Paama, Himiona Walters (the lead builder), Doogie May's wife and Ina Walters. Ina Walters and Doogie May's wife ensured the men were fed and that no women entered the building while construction was underway.
Ingoa
The Name Whakapaumahara
Whakapaumahara was the name given to our whare by our tūpuna. The name commemorates the kōrero left by our tūpuna, Hone Paama. In his time Pū Mari, as he was affectionately known, talked about ways to safeguard the generations to come. Whakapaumahara is his kōrero and came from that time. Whakapaumahara - a house of living memories. We, and all generations to come, are the living memories of our tūpuna.
