Whakarongotai Marae

Whakarongotai Marae holds a special significance for Te Ātiawa ki Kāpiti. It is our only remaining marae and has been the focal point for iwi activities since the early 1880’s.

The whare of Whakarongotai Marae are Whakarongotai (Whare Tupuna) and Aorewa (Whare Kai). The pou is Te Puna o Te Aroha.

Whakarongotai Marae remains the cultural heart and key gathering place of Te Ātiawa ki Kāpiti.

Whakarongotai Marae is currently administered by the Whakarongotai Marae Reservation Trustees. The Trustees are guided by Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 and the Whakarongotai Marae Charter.

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About Whakarongotai Marae

The current site of the Marae was originally part of the Maori Land Court determination awarded to ngā uri o Wi Parata Te Kakakura – Tohuroa Parata, Uruorangi Parata (16 years on 19 September 1949), Tama Parata (15 years on 10 September 1949), Nohorua Parata, Hira Parata (2nd), Tira Parata, Wihau Parata and Harata Parata.

The collective were awarded 301 acres 2 roods 1.58 perches, being part of Ngarara West A78.

Ngarara West A78A was then portioned on 24 January 1952 by application to the Native Land Court on 14 August 1948.

The original trustees for the Marae were then appointed by the Court, they were Paioke Eruini, Wikitoria Jenkins Ropata, Haua Matenga Baker, Rangiauahi Puni Tamati, Taiaroa Ropata, Pahemata Pirihana Erihana and Tere Rauara Parata.

At a subsequent Court Hearing in Wellington on 16 June 1952, Ngarara West A78A was declared a Māori Reservation for the purpose of a Meeting Place.