NGĀ MARAE
Tapuaekura ā Hatupatu
Tapuaekura ā Hatupatu Marae is located near the southern end of Lake Rotoiti. The people of Ngāti Rongomai belong to this Marae. The Wharenui (Ancestral House) is named after the eponymous ancestor Rākeiao. Rākeiao was built soon after the Mount Tarawera eruption. It was relocated from Paehinahina to the southern shores of Lake Rotoiti.
Rākeiao the chief is the progenitor of the most celebrated Te Arawa ancestor Rangitihi and his wife Manawakotokoto. Rākeiao was a warrior of super natural powers in that, at his command, dragonflies would visit neighbouring marauders and wreak havoc among them.
The Whare Moe (sleeping room) is named after his first wife Keapare, with the Wharekai (Dining Hall) being named after his second wife, Maruahangaroa. Hapū (subtribe) affiliations of Rākeiao are Ngāti Kahuūpoko, Ngāti Rongomai, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Ngāti Tukiterangi and Ngāti Te Pikikōtuku.
Te Hiukura Marae
Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru o Te Arawa Whare Tūpuna was opened in 1941 by Kīngi Korokī of Tainui Waka. The house was erected under the guidance of Hori Taia. The Master Carvers were Erāmiha Kapua, Kaka Niao and Te Hūtana Charles Āpihai. Kereti of Ōhinemutu designed the rafters tūrapa and kōwhaiwhai Hori’s wife, Paretōroa Ngātaiāwhio Taia and others completed the tūrapa (woven panels). The naming of this wharenui was generated by the eight children of Rangitihi whom are collectively known as the ‘Eight Beating Hearts of Te Arawa’, hence ‘Ngā Pūmanawa e Waru o Te Arawa. The Wharekai (Dining Hall) is named Te Awa i takapuwhaia.
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