Haere Mai to Oturei Marae

The Dargaville community has realised its dream of restoring the Oturei Marae, thanks to a $210,000 Lottery Marae Heritage and Facilities Committee grant. After 15 years of creative community-driven fundraising, an opening on 4 February will recognise the dedication and collaboration that made this community initiative possible.

Rex Nathan from the Oturei Marae committee said, “I’m pretty excited! It’s been a long road, but we’ve done it. A lot of people in the community use our Marae, it’s got a real friendly atmosphere. It was definitely in need of a major upgrade, and we couldn’t have done it without Lottery funding.”

Following in the footsteps of his mother the Mäori Queen Dame Te Atairangikaahu, who had strong ties to the Marae, the Mäori King Tuheitia will attend the opening and unveil the new Lottery-funded Wharekai (kitchen).

Community members provided voluntary labour to demolish the old Wharekai and construct the new building – the final step.

Rex Nathan said it was great that people from the community rolled up their sleeves and put in the hard yards. “When we were tearing down the old Wharekai, a lot of the old people were reminiscing, and got really emotional about the old building. This place has seen so much over the years.”

Distinctive swamp kauri timber from a 4000-5000 year old tree, donated by a community member, will line the Whare Kai walls.

Funding from the ASB Trust and Te Puni Kokiri, plus money raised by the Marae itself through events like a debutante ball attended by the Mäori Queen, and invitation rugby games played by All Black members, all contributed to the project’s completion.

The Lottery Grants Board funds a range of social, community, arts, heritage, sports, recreation and health research services and projects which strengthen and have a positive impact on communities.

The Lottery Grants Record publication, which lists all the Lottery grants made in 2005-2006, is now available. The publication contains stories about the range of Lottery grants that are helping to build strong, sustainable communities throughout New Zealand. Visit www.dia.govt.nz for a copy.

For more information, or to obtain a copy of the Lottery Grants Record, contact:

Diana Dobbinson, Senior Communications Advisor, Department of Internal Affairs
Ph 04 495-9301 Mobile 027 430-3449 Email Diana.Dobbinson@dia.govt.nz