Mana Marae

The Mana Marae Report

The Mana Marae report was generated from the collective learning of a team of people engaging with those in their rohe to identify how marae responded to Cyclone Gabrielle. With the backdrop of the devastation wrought by the cyclone, there was an upside – many marae responded superbly to support their communities.

Alongside highlighting the strength of marae in providing manaaki, came the learning about how to prepare better. With the expectation of an increased frequency of adverse weather events, reflection processes are identifying further development needs for marae.

A parallel process is the return of whānau from cities. In rural communities, the marae is often a significant community presence alongside other community assets such as schools. Marae have the potential to be catalysts to help revitalise rural communities through building spiritual, economic and social capital.

Access the report here.

A celebration of resilience to Cyclone Gabrielle

The COVID-19 pandemic reminded the community of the importance of marae as community hubs, especially in rural areas. That reminder was dramatically reinforced with the arrival on these shores of Cyclone Gabrielle. She is the most devastating weather event in living memory, eclipsing the impact of Cyclone Bola.

These environmental challenges coincide with the return of people to their kāinga. The urban drift of the second half of the twentieth century has reached full tide and is now receding. Another trend is the increasing availability of remote work enabling those with the skills to work from home. This confluence presents the opportunity not only to further equip marae for emergency preparedness, but also to rebuild local economies around the marae and to revitalise our rural communities.

Image: Flooding of Naumai Marae, north of Ruawai during Cyclone Gabrielle. Credit Kelly Retimana.

What does a 21st Century marae look like?

Whanu returning to their rohe provides the opportunity to revitalise rural communities. Some whanau return with skills that enable them to work remotely. Increasing numbers will find employment in nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crises. If the trend to larger farms reverses as farms diversify, their might be opportunities in primary production, and there will be more opportunities for people to work in renewable energy installations. These will support the revitalisation of marae at the centre of the kainga, and in turn, the marae will support whanau.