Taranaki Whānui and Te Rūnanganui o Te Āti Awa have pledged their full support, as have Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangatira and the Wellington Tenths Trust.

“We stand united with our Pasifika whanaunga on this kaupapa, which recognises our joint heritage and common bonds as people of Te Moana Nui-a-Kiwa,” says Taranaki Whānui Chair Kara Puketapu-Dentice.

“Both the Wellington Tenths Trust and Palmerston North Māori Reserve Trust have offered their support for the Fale, which will be a civic space for international dialogue and a place of belonging for all New Zealanders,” says Te Raukura, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke Chair Liz Mellish.

Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington Chancellor John Allen says the University is delighted to be a founding partner of the national Fale Malae.

“This building will be a wonderful celebration of our Pacific culture and a place to learn, to meet, and to grow as a nation.”

Chair of the Fale Malae Trust Adrian Orr says Trustees are humbled by and grateful for the level of support for the Fale, which would be located in the heart of Wellington’s Waterfront, near Te Papa Tongarewa, proposed national music centre, Te Wharewaka o Pōneke, the Chinese Garden, and the Wellington Museum.

“Trustees are working closely with the Chinese Garden Society and Wellington City Council, as part of wider plans to rejuvenate Frank Kitts’ Park including removing the earthquake prone car park.”

Mr Orr says the Trustees have taken guidance from renowned Pacific artist Michel Tuffery and Wellington Architect Fa'asalele Malo and have commissioned Jasmax and Associate Professor Leali’ifano Albert Refiti to provide a concept design for the Fale Malae.

“The stunning design is a contemporary expression of thousands of years of rich architectural history and will be a fitting tribute to the nation.”

The Fale Malae will support a wide range of community and educational activities, enhancing a highly used and much-loved waterfront precinct. Wellington City Council has endorsed in principle further investigation of the Fale malae within Frank Kitts Park.

Trustees are continuing to work with Council on the regulatory approvals needed and will be seeking feedback from the public.