Nga Hau E Wha National Marae

The Christchurch National Marae known as Nga Hau E Wha (Four Winds of the Earth) is situated in Pages Road, Aranui. This is a multi-cultural marae to serve the needs of citizens irrespective of ethnic origin. It has been constructed on land gifted by the Christchurch City Council in 1979, with considerable Government support by way of direct grant and through subsidised employment programmes. The Council has also contributed funds as well as architectural and associated professional services.

The carved gateway is the main entrance on to the Marae Atea (Sacred Courtyard). Its carvings depict the history of New Zealand, showing eight warriors paddling a canoe which is representative of all the ancestral canoes at Waitangi in 1840 and, opposite, Captain William Hobson, RN, Governor of New Zealand at that time. This entrance symbolises the Marae as a place for all citizens of New Zealand. It was opened by His Excellency the Governor General, Sir David Beattie, on 7 November 1982.

Beyond is the large meeting house incorporating traditional Māori crafts, undertaken under the supervision of expert crafts people. They include kowhaiwhai designed patterns of the exterior and interior in red, white and black incorporating 2,000 years of history. The history of the Māori is also written in the carvings of the poupou (ancestral human figures). Tukutuku weaving panels also depict the traditional designs of the Māori people. The project has been doubly valuable in that it has provided an opportunity for young Māori citizens to be taught the crafts of their ancestors. The large dining room and administration block is behind the meeting house.

More information

Tī Kōuka Whenua - Nga Hau E Wha National Marae

Sources

This was originally derived from the Christchurch City Council handbook of 1998.