The vision and developments of the Ōtamarākau marae are:
History
Ōtamarākau Marae is situated on the east coast of the Bay of Plenty just off State Highway 2. Ideally located as it is central to the Bay's three major cities, Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane. The marae complex itself is accessed from the main road via farm access.
Otamarakau Marae was relocated to its present site in 1932. Originally located within a major fortified pā site (Pā Mourea pictured) on the eastern side of the Waitahanui Stream. The original hillock site, also contained an urupā, built up to a high point on the seaward side and terminates in a cliff above the beach which provided a commanding view of the surrounding countryside. The name of the original whare was Koura.
With the removal of danger from attacks in later years and an increase in the population the decision was made to relocate the marae to the western side of the stream where it stands today. The present meeting house, Waitahanui-a-Hei, was built in 1932, and like its predecessor commands panoramic views of the coastline.
A Makino tupuna, Te Peru, reigned supreme in the district around the period 1560. Te Peru came from the unity of Tuhokai and Timata. Peru lived at Waitahanui where he and his father established the village of Ōtamarākau. His house there was Oteuiaroa.
Lands
Ōtamarākau Marae is located on two separate parcels of Māori freehold land known as:
Comprising of a total area of 0.7629 hectares
Ōtamarākau Marae was formally set aside as a Māori Reservation on 17 August 1972:
“Pursuant to section 439 of the Māori Affairs Act 1953, the Māori land described in the schedule hereto is hereby set apart as a Māori reservation for the purpose of a marae and benefit of Ngāti Makino and the Māori people of the district”
Confirmation by NZ Gazette: Notice No. 97 page 2648, 23 November 1972 and NZ Gazette: No. 130, page 2988, 11 July 1985.
Otamarakau Marae Address 2655 State Highway 3 RD6, Otamarakau Te Puke 3186 Marae Committee Chairperson: Taimuri Rapana - 021 027 06727 - tai.rapana@gmail.com Secretary: Peter Sissons - 027 946 4523 - pandosissons@gmail.com Treasurer: Grant Ngatai - 022 593 6158 - gngatai1@hotmail.com To enquire about bookings for Otamarakau Marae please contact Taimuri Rapana at tai.rapana@gmail.com |
Ehara taku toa, i te toa taki tahi, Kātahi ko taku toa he toa taki tini ā Mākino.
Toitū te mana, Toitū te whenua, Toitū te Tangata, Toi tū te Mākinotanga