Mataatua marae is located in the heart of Mangere township, Taamaki Maakaurau. This marae was founded by the Auckland Mataatua Society comprising of Ngaati Awa descendants, a tribal group rich in history with signi ficant connections and relationships with whaanau, hapuu and iwi across the wider Auckland, Northland and Tainui regions. Conceptualised in 1976, by Ngaati Awa and Tuuhoe kaumaatua, approval and support was granted by the Maaori Queen Te Ataairangikaahu and rangatira of mana whenua o Taamaki Makaaurau. In 1978, the marae facilities including a wharenui were built on Mangere lease land. The establishment of this marae was an important step forward in recognising the role of providing a marae-based community for whaanau and hapuu of Ngaati Awa living in Taamaki Makaaurau. Since Mataatua Marae opened its doors, marae participation has grown across all communities. The increasing wellbeing initiatives undertaken by this marae reflect the cultural realities of Ngaati Awa and the desire to engage in traditional knowledge and learning.Mataatua marae encourages all whanaaunga, manuwhiri and haapori to utilise their facilities, services and programmes. Services include; Hauora clinic, Koohanga reo, catering services, marae cultural experiences. The marae-based programmes are underpinned by a strong knowledge base of maatauranga Maaori evidenced in the te reo, waiata and tiikanga programmes. Mataatua marae strives to maintain and strengthen tribal knowledge alongside local iwi so that the kawa and tiikanga remains with Ngaati Awa.Currently, Mataatua is in the planning stages of offering restorative justice initiatives with the Department of Corrections for both youth and adults. Kaumaatua housing is also managed by the marae. Future plans include developing social enterprises in the area of tourism, and self-sustaining initiatives that involve a commitment to environmental responsibilities.Kawa: Paaeke - Ngaati Awa protocolsServices: Fully functional wharenui, wharekai, kura kaupapa, training facilities (Te Tini o Toi), Koohanga Reo and marae cateringDisability Accessible: AccessibleStrengths: Long-term experience in hauora and education services Extensive knowledge-base of Ngaati Awatanga Historic relationships with local iwi