Te Herenga Waka o Orewa Marae continues to stand strong as a hub of connection, learning, and cultural pride for our community. Grounded in tikanga Māori and guided by kaupapa that uphold the mana of the marae, the work here reflects a collective vision: to nurture people, protect the environment, and celebrate identity. Over the years, the marae has built a strong reputation through a wide range of events and initiatives that bring whānau and the wider community together.
Ngā hui-ā-tau
Waitangi Day at the marae is community focused . It is a time not only to reflect on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, but to celebrate the shared journey of tangata whenua and tangata Tiriti. Through kōrero, waiata, kai, and whanaungatanga, this event creates opportunities for dialogue, learning, and unity.
Matariki is another highlight on the marae calendar, and has become a cornerstone event that draws locals and visitors alike. Each year, the community gathers to celebrate the Māori new year, honouring those who have passed, celebrating the present, and planning for the future. Together with our partner the Orewa Surf Life Saving Club, the Hibiscus Coast community gathered at Orewa Beach to share kai, karakia, and waiata, keeping alive the mātauranga that Matariki brings. It is also with special thanks to Dr Pouroto Ngaropo for sharing his mātauranga Māori with us, and also to our funder Te Puni Kōkiri. This event strengthens connections across generations and the community and encourages us to reflect on the cycles of nature. Matariki is a real highlight that we look forward to each year.
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori – Celebrating Language and Inclusivity
This year’s Te Wiki o te Reo Māori was a beautiful expression of inclusivity and connection. As part of our celebrations, we learnt the pepeha of the marae in four different languages – Catalan, Japanese, French, and Italian. It was a creative and joyful way to honour te reo Māori while also acknowledging the diversity of languages spoken within our community. By hearing our pepeha in new reo, we were reminded that language is a powerful bridge – connecting us not only to our identity, but to one another.
The week was finished off with an immersive (and competative!) games night. Kia kaha te reo Māori
Te Taiao
Kaitiakitanga is at the heart of Te Herenga Waka o Orewa’s kaupapa. Recently we have partnered with Mountains to Sea and Restore Hibiscus marae leads awa restoration and clean-up projects, bringing together schools, local organisations, and whānau to care for the waterways. These initiatives not only protect the taiao but also teach the next generation about their role as guardians of the environment. By restoring the awa, the marae reinforces the deep spiritual and cultural relationship between people and place.
Te reo Māori
The marae is alive each week with kura that provide our ākonga with the chance to learn te reo Māori, tikanga, waiata, and kapa haka. These weekly gatherings create safe spaces for learning and identity-building. Following the unique Te Ataarangi methodology, our full immersion classes ensure speaking te reo Māori is at the forefront of language acquisition.
