Manurewa Marae is a situated on the shores of Te Maanukanuka o Hoturoa, Manukau Harbour. Built in 1988, the opening of Maatukutureia represented the combined interests and determination of local Maaori to build a new marae within the South Auckland suburb of Manurewa. Manukau City Council provided land for the establishment of the marae under the stipulation that the marae would be available for the benefit of all Manurewa community members. Te Aarikinui Te Ataairangi Kaahu officially opened the marae alongside esteemed elders, Rua Cooper, Pumi Taituha, Barney Kirkwood, Ngarau Tupaea, Te Kaanga Skipper, Vera Kirkwood and Whaea Sophie Muru, Joseph Wilson and mataawaka kaumaatua and kuia.Manurewa Marae was gifted the flag of Te Aariki Nui Te Ataairangi Kaahu that was held in trust by the Kaumaatua and kuia of Manurewa Marae.

‍

After a stringent process involving adhering to the protocols and etiquettes of Kiingitanga kaupapa, and many waananga held to familiarise the marae whaanau with the Kiingitanga Kawenata, a signed kawenata or agreement between Manurewa marae and the Kiingitanga was completed. This agreement stands today as a declaration that Manurewa Marae supports Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu and the kaupapa of Te Kiingitanga Te Taonga o Te Motu.

‍

More recently, a tono was presented to the current Maaori Kiingi, Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero Te Tuawhitu, for his flag. Upon delivering his flag to Manurewa Marae in person, Kiingi Tuuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero assisted by his Kaumaatua, carried out the sod-turning protocol and karakia for the building of Te Puna Reo. The significance of this Puna Reo is its foundational kaupapa is based entirely on the Kiingitanga kaupapa ‘Te Taonga o Te Motu’.Manurewa marae has been given the ability to ‘Tuku Mauri’. In brief, while the kawa of Manurewa marae is Tainui Kawa Tu mai, tu atu; due to an agreement between ahi kaa mana whenua and marae whaanau, acknowledgment is given to all iwi that resides in Manurewa. This tikanga of ‘Te Tuku Mauri’ entails the mauri being returned back to the marae once the manuhiri or group have been welcomed and completed their kaupapa. The intention of this process is to empower whaanau from different Haahi denominations, iwi, hapuu and kawa to manage and determine their marae kaupapa during their stay.

‍

Manurewa marae delivers both Maaori-based and primary health care services. The marae employs Doctors, nurses, and clinical staffing for primary health care services and Maaori practitioners to deliver the Rongoa Maaori, mirimiri and matekite (spiritual healing) services. This marae also provides Whaanau Ora services.Manurewa marae has an increasing influence within the community. The marae can be viewed as a driving force within the community for positive and strategic local outcomes, therefore increasing influence and directing change. This marae has a strong paepae, coupled with wisdom and experience of kaumaatua and the youth keen to learn and support. In addition, a close relationship is nurtured with Kiingi Tuuheitia’s office and the King’s Auckland spokesperson Ngaire Lasika. Future strategic objectives for Manurewa marae are focused on securing and expanding on capital gain to enable the further growth of services and provide opportunities for education, health for all community members. Other areas for improvement include:

• Securing the land adjacent to the reserve
• Building a waka ama club and pontoon
• Continuing to encourage and develop rangatahi to undertake leadership roles, such as on the paepae and marae

Kawa: Tainui Kawa: Tu mai, tu atu

‍Services: Fully functional wharenui, e rua nga wharekai, mataawaka marae, adjacent Wharekura, Te Manu Aute Whare Oranga, ngaa Waatene Maaori o Manurewa, Te Kooti Rangatahi, Te Reo Maaori waananga, Te Puna Reo, Whaanau Ora and Te Whakaora Taangata Services

‍Strengths: Developing social and Whaanau Ora services for all community members

‍Improvements: Securing land to further expand and provide opportunities for education and health for all community members