Marae manager Tania Williams is excited to share Māori culture with newcomers to New Zealand and the city, and with people who have not experienced a pōwhiri before, in the first manaakitanga community pōwhiri for the year, to be held on March 25.
"It’s an uplifting experience for all of us, to open up the marae space so people can have engagement with Māori culture, to give them the chance to share their culture, and to weave the community together," Ms Williams said.
Since 2018, Arai Te Uru Marae has hosted several pōwhiri each year, in association with Dunedin Multicultural Council, New Zealand Red Cross, Churches Welcome Refugees, and the Refugee Support Group, with the aim of giving people from all walks of the life the marae experience.
The programme, which is supported with funding from Dunedin City Council, Otago Community Trust and Lotteries, has welcomed 2400 people from 60 countries to the marae, across 12 pōwhiri held so far.
Red Cross Otago-Southland area co-ordination and planning lead Steve King said the pōwhiri were a great way for "our communities to connect".
"The pōwhiri that are hosted at Arai Te Uru marae are a powerful modelling of inclusion, welcoming, and aroha."
Ms Williams said creating the manaaakitanga pōwhiri was a big job, and the marae was looking for volunteers to help " so we can continue to keep this beautiful space happening for the community".
Anyone interested in being involved is asked to email rouroumanaaki@gmail.com
Pātaka ora returns
The popular pātaka ora community meals also return to Arai Te Uru Marae this month, with the first gathering for food, friendship, and entertainment to be held this Friday, from noon-1pm.
Founded last year the pātaka ora meals are held on alternating Friday lunchtimes and Thursday evenings, 6pm-7pm.
Ms Williams expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of KiwiHarvest, and called for volunteers to help with cooking, service, and entertainment. Get in touch by email to pātakaora@gmail.com
People who wish to attend the manaaakitanga pōwhiri on Saturday, March 25, are asked to gather at the Arai Te Uru Marae car park, 24 Shetland St, at 10.45am, ready to be welcomed on to the marae at 11am.
