Waipapa Marae

This morning, while on my run, I came across the lower part of Grafton Gully from the Auckland Domain to the University of Auckland. From Alten Street I was looking in at the paepae and the front of the whare whakairo (meeting house) known as Tane-nui-a-Rangi. This area is the heart of the Waipapa Marae, which is for the benefit and support of the whole university community.

The symbolism behind Tane-nui-a-Rangi was formulated by Pakariki Harrison. The primary ancestors of the house are ancestor-gods with whom students of all tribal affiliations can relate. Also included in the house is Tangi'ia, an ancestor who connects the major islands of the Pacific with New Zealand.

The name of the marae (Waipapa) recalls the landing place of canoes on the foreshore; now reclaimed land and used for port and railway activities. This name is a way of acknowledging the right of Ngati Whatua ki Orakei as the tangatua whenua of Waitemata. Logs of totara and kauri were used for carving the house, and a young kauri tree stands tall beside the entry.

The University department of Maori Studies uses the marae throughout the week for classes in Te Reo (Maori language) and seminars. However, the marae is also used by all departments for conferences, seminars, other teaching purposes, and by community groups. The ceremonial welcome (Powhiri) for major international conferences often occurs here.

Th marae is a taonga (treasure) deserving respect. Hence I remained outside, looking in.