But in recent years, Te Whare Koa Marae Trust has been focused on the administration of the day-to-day operations of the marae and rebuilding, after much responsibility was placed on a select few to keep things going.
Kaitiaki putea (treasurer) Christine Hepi said with new trustees on board, and a renewed energy, the trust wanted to reconnect with the community and welcome people back into the marae.
And there was no better time to start than Waitangi Day, Mrs Hepi said.
On Sunday, from 10am to 2pm, the France St marae is hosting a waiata waananga, a workshop for people to learn or practise waiata.
"It’s just trying to get ourselves back out in the community," she said.
"So many people have forgotten, or didn’t even know, that we’re there."
The Waitangi Day workshop was open to everyone in the community — from people who could share waiata and knowledge with others, to those who knew nothing about waiata and wanted to learn more about Maori culture.
Tiamana (chairwoman) Rihi Salter said for many Maori people, a marae gave them a sense of belonging, and was a place they could nurture their identity, self-confidence and pride in their culture.
The trust felt a great deal of responsibility to those who came before them, and to their tamariki, to revitalise Te Whare Koa Marae, keep traditions alive and make sure knowledge was not lost, Ms Salter said.
Due to the Red traffic light setting, registrations for the Waitangi Day waiata waananga were essential. To register people needed to contact Mrs Hepi on 027 513-2161.
