Runanga manager Suzanne Ellison said the entranceway was symbolic of the three messenger birds, the albatross, kea and morepork, and welcomed people to the marae, encouraging them to tell their stories.
Its completion, along with the mahau, or ceiling of the entrance to the marae, also brought to an end stage two of the marae's redevelopment, with focus now turning to the inside.
Last November, the carvings on the front of the marae were unveiled.
A ceremony with prayer was attended by dozens of members of the community yesterday.
The artists, James York, of Brighton, Ross Hemera, of Wellington, and Jenny Rendall, of Christchurch, were anxious to see how their individual efforts fitted together.
Mr York said the work, unlike creating a piece for exhibition or sale, had been a "long journey" as it was imperative that the runanga were involved in the decision-making process.
He had spent about 16 weeks using traditional methods to create the "wings" of the entranceway, which were supposed to emulate those of an albatross.
There was pressure to not only please the community but to live up to the standards of ancestors, he said.
Mr Hemera said planning for the project had started at least five years ago.
The project was a great way for Ngai Tahu artists to connect, he said.
