A Brief History of The Waiouru Marae

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 1, Issue 14, 6 September 1983, Page 4

A Brief History of The Waiouru Marae

Rongomaraeroa o Nga Hau E Wha

The Waiouru Marae is situated in Laing Lane, Waiouru. In 1953 it was called The Waiouru Maori Club and then the name changed to Waiouru Marae, Rongomaraeroa o Nga Hau E Wha in November 1976. From the beginning, the aim has been to foster better understanding and relations in the community. Since its inception, the Waiouru Marae has been in

eight different locations. In 1974, Headquarters Army Training Group offered Old Crete Barracks as a building for removal and the site in Laing Lane. The land was cleared by a volunteer work force, foundations were set and the building was moved onto the site. Work parties then proceeded to refurbish the interior. The marae had sewage and water reticulation to both buildings and a complete re-wiring provided by April 1979. That same year the committee had community workers on the marae, who had to complete a specific number of working hours under strict supervision. The marae receives tremendous support with both voluntary labour and fupdraising from the Waiouru community. The Waiouru Marae Committee maintains the whole complex and is financially self sufficient. Several thousands of dollars have been spent on upkeep of the marae and in the past couple of years, additions to the complex have included: 1. An extension to the kitchen area with concrete blocks. 2. The construction of two new storage sheds. 3. Modifications to the entrance foyer.

4. Installation of a barbecue area. 5. Installing a commercial stove and other equipment in the kitchen area. 6. Painting of the exterior of the buildings. 7. Repainting and refurbishing the interior of the ablutions blocks. 8. The construction of a chapel (heated and carpeted). Work has now commenced on the building of a meeting house with a floor area of 185 square metres, a very important building on any marae. It is envisaged that this project alone will cost in the vicinity of $24,540 which is for materials only as all labour will be voluntary. The name for the meeting house has been selected and all floor plans, working drawings, and specifications have been approved by the Department of Maori Affairs. In addition, the Minister for Maori Affairs recently approved a subsidy of $12,270 for the marae. Stage Two of the marae development will be an Arts and Crafts centre. The master carver is Mr Moni Taumaunu of Gisborne, who has his own carving school in Palmerston North, and has six tutors working for him full time. It is expected that during Labour Weekend, if weather permits, the carver will be welcomed onto the marae for a meeting. He will also check on progress and conditions to determine when a start can be made on the carvings. The Waiouru Marae Committee express their thanks to the local business houses and community of Waiouru for their assistance in the past. Without it, the marae would not exist today.