| 115 COMMUNITY Waimārama Marae Heritage retained in restoration The visual integrity of the building has been carefully maintained, ensuring it continues to reflect its heritage and identity. T T Karen Phelps The completion of a major refurbishment project at Waimārama Marae has marked a significant milestone for the Hawke’s Bay community, ensuring its historic wharenui will stand strong for generations to come. The wharenui, which is more than 100 years old, has recently undergone an extensive rebuild that carefully balances modern safety requirements with the preservation of tradition. “It’s about protecting our past while preparing for our future,” says Lee Te Aowhītiki Kershaw Karaitiana, marae manager. The project involved a complete re- construction of the meeting house after significant hidden damage was uncovered. While the original intention had been refurbishment, the discovery of widespread borer infestation and dry rot meant much of the structure had to be replaced. “It became clear quite quickly that we were dealing with more than just surface-level issues,” says Lee. “We repurposed the tōtara beams where we could, but in reality the entire wharenui is new, even though it looks exactly the same.” Despite the scale of the work, the visual integrity of the building has been carefully maintained, ensuring it continues to reflect its heritage and identity. Alongside this, modern systems have been discreetly integrated, including a comprehensive fire- protection system and commercial-grade extraction ventilation. The construction process was not without its challenges. Builders worked through Christmas and New Year in order to meet a self-imposed deadline, driven by the decision to invite the Māori Queen, Te Arikinui Kuini Ngā wai hono i te pō, to open the whare. “There was a lot of pressure, but our builders, TW Construction, were outstanding,” says Lee. “They stayed committed to the timeline and delivered something we can all be proud of.” The wharenui was closed for six months during the rebuild, which had a noticeable impact on the community. As a central gathering place, its absence required careful communication with local hapū. “It was important people understood why we were doing this,” Lee says. “The marae is at the heart of our community, so closing it, even temporarily, was significant.” The reopening has been met with deep pride, particularly among kaumātua, who recognise both the necessity and value of the investment. “It means everything,” says Lee. “Our kaumātua can see the need for this work and they are proud of where the marae is now. It’s enabled it to go forward for another 100 years, and that gives assurance to our future generations that our marae will be strong and standing for them.” The project sits within a broader vision for Waimārama Marae, which continues to invest in both infrastructure and environmental restoration. This includes ongoing efforts to restore the awa that runs through the marae, a project that recently marked its 10-year anniversary. The marae has undertaken multiple planting days with Waingōngoro Restoration Trust and there were plans to put another 900 plants along the river banks. “It’s about reconnecting with our environment,” says Lee. “The awa provides food and identity for us. Bringing it back to its original path has been a huge achievement.” Future plans include upgrading ablution facilities and expanding accommodation capacity, as well as developing community gardens to support food sovereignty and sustainability. “We’re looking at becoming more self- sufficient,” says Lee. “It’s about kaitiakitanga and ensuring we can support our people, especially given how isolated we can become during weather events.” As both a cultural centre and emergency hub, the marae plays a vital role in the wider Waimārama community. With the wharenui now restored, he says it stands ready to continue that role, grounded in history while looking firmly to the future.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=