Management of the marae

Operationally our marae is managing quite well. The governance of the marae however needs more resourcing. As our kaumatua age and time goes by many of our rangatira are falling. Of the 17 trustees of our marae committee only 5 or so are still living. Unfortunately our marae has not had an AGM since 2009. So buisness as usual has been the approach. We certainly respect the efforts of the ahi kā who are there on the ground doing the mahi. I would like to aknowledge those who have passed on who were committed to the wellbeing of our marae and its people. I would like to specifically extend a mihi to our current chair Wati Ngamane. I had the privelage to interview him for this research as presented in multiple interviews showcased.

"Mate atu he tētē kura,
hara mai he tētē kura"

Reflected in this common proverb of Te Ao Māori which identifies the vision of natural succession planning. "When the fern frond dies, another rises in its place". This whakatauki encapsulates the notion of successive Māori leadership and governance and the need for contemporary leaders to follow those leaders who have paved the way for Māori. As a rangatahi I am encouraged by this proverb to upskill myself and others to be involved with our marae not only in a operational level but a governance level. There is fuding which needs to be sourced. Renovations, developments and maintanence needs to prioritised. Along with many other initiatives to promote engagement and reconnection with our principal home - Mātai Whetū Marae.