The people of the marae
Every marae belongs to and must be ‘kept warm’ by a community of people—the tangata whenua.
The Marae community consists of two groups, one contained within the other. First, there is the large pool of people who qualify for membership on specific grounds—at Te Herenga Waka this is potentially all members of the University, both students and staff.
Secondly, there is the smaller group of people—those focused on the bonds of common interests, who are qualified to support the kawa and tikanga of the marae, and who take an active part in marae activities.
Typically, this core of active supporters look after the marae on behalf of the wider circle of those eligible for membership. To have the right of access recognised comes with corresponding obligations: to learn to understand the marae, to accept its rules, and to contribute to its support, so that the active supporters do not find it too difficult to carry out the tasks of promoting and defending the marae on their own. The strengths and support of friends of the marae will always be appreciated.
On a marae there is a place for everyone, and everyone has a place.
Older members of a marae, and those with special knowledge and skills, are acknowledged as kaumātua. They provide leadership, guidance and lend dignity to proceedings.
Other members of the community find work in teaching or as kaimahi or ringawera. They might be involved in preparing food or schedules, cleaning, working in the dining hall, providing entertainment, looking after visitors, running agenda, and making an important contribution to the marae and maintaining the mana of the marae.
Te Herenga Waka marae is home to:
- Te Kawa a Māui—School of Māori Studies
- Office of the Marae
- Āwhina—Māori student support
- Ngāi Tauira—Māori Student Association
- Toitūroa—Sustainability Office
- Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Māori.
The marae also offers collaboration and public spaces for Toihuarewa (Māori academics), Māori professional staff, and other Māori student associations, such as:
- Ngā Rangahautira—Māori Law Students' Association
- Ngā Tāura Ūmanga—Māori Commerce Students' Association
- Te Hōhaieti o te Reo Māori—Māori Language Society
- MAI Ki Pōneke—Māori & Indigenous postgraduate network.
Becoming part of the community
Students and staff are encouraged to begin the process of becoming part of Te Whānau o Te Herenga Waka through an appropriate pōwhiri process. Te Whānau are the people who are actively involved with the activities of the marae, including past and present staff and students, and other friends of the marae.
Staff can find out about the welcome for new staff on our intranet.