Rotowhio Marae
Haha te whenua, Haha te tangata
(Desolate land is deserted of people)
The pā
Pā, more commonly referred to today as ‘marae’, are the centre of Māori tribal society and wellbeing. This particular pā named Rotowhio was built as part of a plan to upgrade the Whakarewarewa thermal reserve in the 1960s.
While it was intended that this pā operate as a ‘model pā’, over time it has become as operational as any other tribal marae in New Zealand. People from all over the world are welcomed each day onto the sacred grounds of Rotowhio. Once they have taken part in the pōwhiri (welcoming ceremony) they become intricately linked with this place forever.
The heart of a tribe
A marae is the traditional meeting place of a tribe. It is where the people return to talk, to sing and dance, to pray, to host guests, to wed, to reunite, and to weep for their dead. A marae without people is a heart without a beat.
Sacred house
At the main gate of the marae is the courtyard, Te Maraenui-atea-o-Tūmatauenga – the ground of Tūmatauenga, God of War. Guests are traditionally welcomed through this courtyard first to ensure they come in peace. Directly ahead is the wharenui (sacred meeting house) Te Aronui a Rua. The wharenui is the archive of a tribe, recording priceless history through its carvings and weaved panels. The building of this wharenui commenced in 1967 and it was finished in 1981. It was built by the tutors and students of Te Puia’s carving school.
To the left of the main wharenui is a smaller carved meeting house called Te Whare Wānanga a Hatupatu. Whare Wānanga are traditional places of learning where history, stories and whakapapa (genealogical links) are shared and passed on. This particular Whare Wānanga was built in 1901 and was part of the Christchurch exhibition developed for the Royal visit in 1906.
Storing treasures
One of the most intricate structures is the pātaka, a small but richly carved storehouse used to safeguard the heirlooms and treasures of chiefs. This pātaka was also included in the Christchurch exhibition in 1906. After the royal visit, Te Whare Wananga a Hatupatu and this pātaka were returned to the valley where they were created.
Source of pride
The magnificent waka taua (war canoe) is a great source of pride today. It was also built by carving students. It measures 19 metres in length and is manned by 20 warriors. It is protected here and used only on very special occasions.
