our roots

Mōu, Mōku, Mō Ngā Iwi Katoa

For you, For me, For all

Waikawa Marae Incorporated.

In the 1950’s discussions were held with the Waikawa and Picton community about the need for a marae.

In 1972 the land Waikawa Marae sits on was acquired through local authorities.

In 1976 Trustees were appointed for the marae under the Māori Affairs Act 1953. The original Trustees were James Hemi Elkington, William Te Toro Riwaka, George Te Oti Martin, Nancy Whanganui Riwaka and Gary Timms.

In 1980 after a hui was held between the Minister of Māori Affairs, Mr Ben Couch, and the community, the Waikawa Marae Management Committee was incorporated and work and fundraising for the marae started in earnest.

In 1982 the first building was opened, it was the Whare Kai or dining hall. It was named “Whakakotahi” meaning united as one. After the Whare Kai was completed work started on the Whare Tūpuna or the meeting house. This fully carved meeting house ‘Arapaoa’ was completed in the mid 1980s.

Since then, Waikawa Marae has had small additions. A full make-over was completed in 2009 when the marae was the subject of a television show “DIY Marae”. It was a full on busy period with incredible help from all parts of the Marlborough community, Te Tau Ihu and the wider Te Ātiawa whānau whānui. As a result we have a wonderful, well used, fully appreciated marae available for all the community.