Some news from Hau Ariki Marae.
2025 was a busy year for Hau Ariki Marae and 2026 has started off with the same gusto! Hau Ariki Marae is a welcoming and supportive place for all people from Martinborough and the surrounding area. It has strong links with Kohunui and Papawai Marae, and with people in Pae-tū-Mōkai (Featherston).
Every Monday evening at 6.30pm for an hour, 20 to 25 people gather at the Marae, to learn and practice waiata. Matua Wiremu leads the group who are predominantly local Martinborough folk, with a few from Greytown and Carterton. They are a great mix of people, many of whom are on the Marae for the first time. Come along and join us!
As we are confronted with the many changing moods of Tawhirimatea, (the weather) it is important to remind people that, in times of civil emergency, the Marae supports those whanau displaced by unforeseen weather events.
The Marae has a large kitchen, dining room, toilets/showers and sleeping areas for up to 100 people. We have 180,000 litres of potable water and a large solar array and batteries. The main switchboard has been modified so that a standby generator can
be connected.
This year’s booking schedule for the Marae is quickly filling up. On Waitangi Day there will be activities to recognise the significance of the day for the Wairarapa, and also to thank Kevin Haunui for his tireless work for more than twenty years as chairman and pou tokomanawa o te Marae. You are welcome to join us on for these events on 6 February, from 10am.
Further information about the Marae is on our website hauariki.com.
