Ngaa Marae

Tahuna Kaitoto marae is the oldest marae in Waiuku, dedicated by Kiingi Tawhiao in 1873. The name of this marae derives from a battle fought circa. 1805-1815 between Ngaati Te Ata and an invading ope taua (war party) from the north. Ngaati Te Ata warriors ambushed the ope as they attempted to bring their waka up to Te Pae o Kaiwaka. Many men were killed on a sandbank at Rangiaawhea (Sandspit) when the tide was in flood, giving rise to the description ‘tahuna kaitoto’. 

The whare tupuna is named Teuira and was originally built without nails. There are no whakaairo (carvings) on the outside of the whare tupuna. Departed family members are remembered with the many paintings and photographs lining the walls of the whare.  

The tomokanga (gateway) to the urupaa (cemetery) was carved in 2000. It depicts Hine-nui-i-te-poo, the ancestress associated with the dead. 

In 1990 the whare hauora (wellbeing center), named Manukau, was opened at Tahuna marae. 

The land on which Tahuna Kaitoto marae is situated is called Moeatoa, which was the name of an old Ngaati Te Ata papakainga (settlement) on the banks of the Waiuku river. Across the river from the marae is another Paa site called Ohurua Paa. This was a fortified settlement where Rangatira (chiefs) lived.

Whanau/hapuu associated with Tahuna Kaitoto marae include: Kaihau, Minhinnick, Nepia, Raumati, Flavell, Cowell, Tapara, Nobel, Brown, Turners, Tawhiao, Taupo, Paikau, Ratu and Pae.

Reretewhioi marae is the second marae in Waiuku, established in the 1920’s. The name Reretewhioi was given by Princess Te Puea Heerangi on sighting a skylark (whioi) flying above the proposed building site. 

Princess Te Puea was an important Kiingitanga leader who held great affection for the people of Waiuku. She lived here for a time and, in 1928, led work schemes to build an economic base for Maori affected by loss of land, poverty and the impact of the depression. Market gardens were developed on Ngaati Te Ata land and workers from around the country came here to find work. Princess Te Puea built this marae to cater for those already overflowing our existing marae. 

The wharenui is named Arohanui, the whare kai is called Te Iti o Waikato and the orator’s shelter is called Wihere. 

Whakarongo Marae is situated on the Awhitu penninsula. The famous whakairo (carving) of Tamakae that once stood at the entrance to the Waiuku river at the bottom of Queen Street is now ‘in retirement’ at Whakarongo Marae.