Whakarongotai Marae
2 Marae Lane, Waikanae
In 1850 a meeting house, Puku Mahi Tamariki, was built at the instigation of Wi Tako Ngatata-i-te-Rangi, chief of Ngāti Tawhirikura, Ngāti Kura, and Ngāti Hamua hapu of Te Āti Awa. It was originally erected at Tuku Rākau, situated by Te Moana Road and Greenaway Road in Waikanae.
The meeting house was moved to its present site in 1886 so that it was near the growing settlement clustered around the railway line and bridge. Māori workers from local iwi were employed in the reconstruction process.
Between the 1970s and 1980s, the meeting house was renovated, the grounds improved, and new buildings were erected. In 1984, the carving of a female figure holding a white bird representing peace was placed in the grounds.
The carving is called Te Puna o te Aroha, Foundation of Love. It was carved at Taumarunui from a kauri tree presented by the descendants of William Jenkins and his wife Paeroke, who in 1840 established a Bush Inn at Te Uruhi, Paraparaumu Beach.
Today, the marae is an active focal point for Māori social, cultural, economic and political activities in the town.
Group of Māori women at Waikanae, 1908
Waikanae Wharenui, with building in progress, 1979
The Whakarongotai meeting house and the dining room under construction in 1979. Pictured are Ani Parata and Pehi Parata. Hp 172, Bruce MacMillan Collection, Kāpiti Coast District Libraries. (1)
Whakarongotai Marae, 2 Marae Lane 1962
