Consider the vision of Hoani Waititi. He saw education as a way to help Māori stand strong. Now, here stands Hoani Waititi Marae. It is a testament to his vision. It is a vibrant hub for the Urban Māori population of West Auckland.
Hoani Waititi Marae is more than just a building. It is a place for Māori values. It is a place for their language. It is a place for their norms. The marae opened its doors on April 19 1980. It was named after Hoani Waititi. He dedicated his life to promoting adult education among West Auckland Māori communities.
Let’s step back in time. During the 1950s and 1960s, many Māori moved to cities. The Department of Māori Affairs encouraged this. They sought labor for businesses. Factories needed workers. Many Māori settled in Auckland. They settled in inner suburbs like Freemans Bay. Housing was often poor. The government built large housing projects in outer suburbs. Te Atatū Peninsula in West Auckland was one of them.
The Urban Māori population in West Auckland grew. Many Ngāti Porou and Ngāpuhi people arrived. They felt disconnected from their traditional lands. They felt disconnected from their culture. Fundraising began in 1967 for a Māori-led community hub. This vision became Hoani Waititi Marae.
The marae doesn’t serve as a traditional meeting place. It is not specific to a hapū. Instead, it acts as a space that is distinctively Māori. It is a place for everyone.
In 1984, Te Whānau o Waipareira was established. It promotes Māori wellbeing in West Auckland. It operates from the same complex as the Hoani Waititi Marae. In 1985, Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi opened. It’s a Māori-language immersion school. It was influential as a model for other schools.
Each year, the Waitangi Day celebrations grow. In 2019, an estimated 35000 people came. They celebrated together. They enjoyed music and food. They enjoyed craft stalls.
Look at the wharenui Ngā Tūmanako. Hōne Taiapa designed the whakairo. Laurie Nicholas primarily carved it. Unlike typical marae, this one doesn’t depict ancestors. It doesn’t tell traditional stories of the area. Hoani Waititi Marae doesn’t claim traditional ownership of West Auckland. It is an urban hub. It is a Māori cultural space for all.
The poupou represent seven migratory waka. They voyaged to New Zealand. They depict seven regional art styles. This ensures no single group can claim ownership. Three Western-style ships are also carved. One is James Cook’s ship, the HMS Endeavour.
Today, Hoani Waititi Marae continues to serve its community. It offers tikanga programs. It offers justice initiatives. These include Te Whānau Awhina and Te Pae Oranga. They also include Te Kōti Rangatahi and Whānau Ora services. Noho marae wānanga and Tatou Pounamu are offered. Patua te Nganara supports whānau to stop using meth.
Hoani Waititi Marae stands as a beacon of hope. It embodies the vision of its namesake. It strengthens the community. It promotes Māori culture and language. It is a place where everyone belongs.