Doesn’t that building look amazing? We are standing in front of Te Rau Karamu Marae at Massey University. It opened its doors on March 27, 2021. But there is a longer story behind it.
Before this magnificent structure stood here, there was the Kuratini Marae. It was closed in 2015 to make room for something new. Tohunga, experts in Māori customs, guided the early stages. They performed rituals to set a mauri, a living force, within the land. This was to bring infinite potential to the site. Te Rau Karamu Marae was gifted its name by Te Kāhui Rongo o Te Awa Tapu o Whanganui.
The design of Te Rau Karamu Marae is deeply symbolic. The wharenui, named Te Whaioranga o Te Whaiao, represents a space within Te Waonui. Te Waonui means the forest. It focuses on the roles of atua or gods like Tāne Whakapiripiri and Hinewaonui. These gods are central to the creation of Te Rakau Tipua. Te Rakau Tipua is the cosmic tree. This symbolizes connections to all things. Everyone entering experiences these connections during ceremonies.
Every part of the wharenui has meaning. The back wall signifies the roots. The ridgepole represents the trunk. The rafters embody the branches. The exterior kauru is the crowning canopy. The artwork shows relationships between birds, insects, water, fire, the sun, the moon, the stars, and the cosmos. It connects us to our ancestors. A central element is the pou-tokomanawa. It represents Te Tiriti o Waitangi. It is about achieving balance and prosperity for two peoples. It focuses on their environment and future generations.
The east-facing wall has eight doors that open to the Te Moananui courtyard. The louvre windows bring light and warmth when the doors are closed. The wharekai, named Te Whaioranga o Te Taiao, represents a zone within Te Moananui. Te Moananui is the great ocean. It highlights gods like Tangaroa and Hinemoana. They connect us to the land and sea.
The toi whakairo were created by Te Kāhui Toi. This team of artist-designers was supported by tohunga and tribal leaders. They were guided by experts in specialist knowledge.
Te Rau Karamu Marae has already received numerous awards. These include Purple Pin Best Design Awards 2021 and Wellington Architecture Awards 2022. It stands as a testament to Māori culture. It is a place of learning and connection. The marae shows Massey University’s commitment to kaupapa Māori. It is a significant step forward for the city central campus. Te Rau Karamu Marae serves as a doorway to hidden levels. It unlocks subterranean chambers and celestial realms.