Marae bought back to life

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 474, 23 February 1993, Page 5

Marae bought back to life

A century-old landmark is enjoying a new lease of life after a major restoration operation by local people. The Mangamingi Marae, lovingly restored by local craftspeople, opened its doors on 30 January at a re-dedication service attended by over 300 invited guests from all over New Zealand and opened by Matiu Mareikura Last used in the 1950's the building became derelict on the verge of collapse. Waimarino identity Hune Rapana grew up at Mangamingi and had an affiliation with the Marae, but like most of his family, moved out of the area. He was "appalled" when he saw the condition of the marae. "The state of the place was unbelievable," he said. Rather than demolish the original building the structure was re-piled and

reinforced, with renovation work taking three months to complete. The longest part of the operation was painting the building, he said. Mr Rapana commended volUnteers for their ' jemendous effort"

in restoring the marae to some of its former glory. Local trainees involved in carpentry, drain-laying and electrical modules featured in the work force and some valuable on-the-job training. The next stage of renova-

tions is the installation of a new toilet block. A Wananga-hui is planned in the near future with the intention of encouraging utilisation of the new facilities. Mr Rapana is keen to see the young people of the area becoming involved and

learning the kawa (protocol) of the marae. The meeting house and cooking shed at Mangamingi Marae are a shadow of the thriving settlement at the turn of the century. Mangamingi Pa was the main meeting place for the Maori of the

Makaranui Pakihi area. The Pa was virtually self-sufficient, with its own power supply generated by a water wheel and dynamo with water from the nearby stream. Mangamingi boasted

its own post and telephone office, as well as a large assembly room, sleeping house, kitchen, stove, and a row of tents along the outskirts (excerpt from "Ohakune - Opening to a New World".)