MARAE RE-DEVELOPMENT
Plan
Initial talks about the need to upgrade the marae started at the Marae Trust Board meetings in 2015. At that time the buildings and infrastructure (water and sewerage system) had deteriorated and were not safe or compliant for use. Sadly, our marae was limited to only being used for tangihanga and Marae Trust Board meetings due to the poor condition of the facilities. In late 2015 the Marae Trust Board formally resolved to upgrade and redevelop the Marae.
General Overview of Whakapaumahara Marae Revelopment Project
The Trust Board then started to look at funding options. They decided to pursue funding for preparation of a formal Feasibility Report. The funding was granted by Lotteries and in 2016 an independent group were appointed to undertake the Feasibility assessment. The report summarised the overall condition of the marae and set-out the overall redevelopment strategy, including the priorities and associated phasing for the works. It was apparent that significant works were required, not just repairs. The marae then commenced a series of planning hui and wānanga which established a five year Strategic Plan (2017-2022). A Marae Transformation Plan was also developed at this time, and the Project Management Team were established.
The Marae Trustees provide the key leadership for the marae development, they are supported by:
· Kaumātua Committee
· The Women’s Committee
· The Māori Committee
· The Whananaki CLD representative
· The Communications team
· The Fundraising Executive
· The Fundraising subcommittees
· The Ngātiwai Board representatives.
The Redevelopment Project Management Team
Parahuia Tamahine Moore, Dan Mawdsley (Oak Project Management), Allan Moore and Pam Armstrong.
Dan has extensive experience in managing construction projects, and Tama Moore is an interior architect.
Allan Moore was involved in the previous build, alongside his father George Moore and has dedicated many years as a Marae Trustee.
Pam Armstrong has provided invaluable funding guidance and support.
Taking a holistic approach
The project planning stages took a holistic approach, starting off with hui, followed by a series of wānanga, and hīkoi to other Ngātiwai marae. A Facebook page was created in February 2017 and this has been a key platform to ensure wide communications to all whānau, particularly having the ability to share the journey with our whānau overseas.
Architecture
Maori Architectural firm Toa were engaged in 2016 to prepare a Masterplan from a Maori world view. In August 2017 the Masterplan drawings and the prioritised work stages were finalised and endorsed by the Marae Trust Board.
