Igniting Potential by Working Toward a Shared Purpose and Dream

On Thursday 4 July 2024, Whāriki and TOA Architects had the pleasure of co-hosting An Evening of Kotahitanga: Unity and Vision Under Ngā Whetū o Matariki in the stunning Taumata o Kupe building at Te Māhurehure Marae.  

Te Taumata o Kupe is an ambitious collaboration between Te Māhurehure Marae and TOA Architects; a testament to the potential ignited when Māori, iwi, and our hapori work together towards a shared purpose and dream.  

Te Māhurehure Marae

Te Māhurehure Marae originated from the migration of its people from Waima in South Hokianga to Auckland in the 1960s. This move was driven by the search for work, leading many to seek employment in the city. To maintain their identity and communal ties, the community purchased a rugby training shed on four acres in Point Chevalier in 1969. The cost of $29,000 was a significant amount of pūtea back then, but the commitment to cultural heritage and the spirit of kotahitanga and whanaungatanga kept the community committed to their goal.

The early days were marked by relentless fundraising efforts. Cake stalls, raffles, Sunday sports events and quarterly social events helped pay off the mortgage within five years. The socials became a vital part of the community, with Māori show bands and entertainersincluding the Yandall Sisters and Prince Tui Teka drawing crowds. The marae quickly evolved from a bare-floored shed into a bustling urban hub, eventually opening a new marae facility in 2009 to accommodate the growing number of visitors.

The Taumata o Kupe Building

The latest addition to Te Māhurehure Marae is the Taumata o Kupe building, designed by TOA Architects. This building symbolises the epic journeys of tīpuna, particularly Kupe, the legendary Polynesian navigator. The vision for Taumata o Kupe emerged from the need for a forum to communicate oral Māori histories.

Construction faced numerous challenges, primarily due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Lockdowns, supply-chain disruptions, and changes in the main contractor delayed progress. Despite these obstacles, the resilience and unity of the marae community ensured the project's completion. The building, which opened in November 2022, has won several architecture and design awards, reflecting its innovative design and cultural significance.

The building's organic form represents Kupe's waka, with its dynamic shape and reflective glazing giving the appearance of movement. Inside, it features spaces for both tapu and noa activities, accommodating up to 300 people for various events. The design includes multicoloured patterned glass panels illustrating Kupe's journey, integrating traditional Māori art forms with contemporary aesthetics.

Future Initiatives

Looking ahead, Te Māhurehure Marae is committed to expanding its community services. A papakāinga is being constructed on the marae whenua; in collaboration with Te Puni Kōkiri , the project will house tenants from the social housing register, including māmā with their children, kaumātua, and kuia.

When kotahitanga and whanaungatanga guide us, Māori can achieve great things. The marae's journey from a humble rugby shed to a vibrant cultural hub demonstrates the power of community, resilience, and vision.

When kotahitanga and whanaungatanga guide us, Māori can achieve great things. The marae's journey from a humble rugby shed to a vibrant cultural hub demonstrates the power of community, resilience, and vision.

We wish to thank the sponsors to helped to make the evening such a success: Callaghan Innovation, Project Unite, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and TOA Architects.

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