This kaupapa taonga (heritage project) is focused on restoring, preserving and revitalising Te Ara o Tāwhaki Marae, a significant cultural landmark at EIT | Te Pūkenga.
It involves the carving of new raparapa (bargeboards) for the marae and the repainting of exterior carvings from the waharoa (gateway) to the wharenui (meeting house). The project also includes the careful cleaning of the kōwhaiwhai (painted rafters) and interior ceiling, which suffered damage during the Cyclone Gabrielle recovery.
This revitalisation effort seeks not only to maintain the physical integrity of the marae (community complex) but also to honour and uphold the mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) it embodies.
By restoring these important elements, the marae continues to be a vibrant hub for cultural, educational, and community activities, ensuring it remains a powerful link for future generations to their whakapapa (genealogy) and heritage. The project reflects an ongoing commitment to preserving Māori cultural identity through the kaitiakitanga (stewardship) of ancestral spaces.
