Whaiora marae is nestled in the urban setting of Otara, Taamaki Makaaurau. It is carved with representations of all tribal areas as depicted in the whakairo within the whare tuupuna. This enables whaanau, hapuu and iwi to engage with their respective kawa when utilising the facilities. However, whaanau, hapuu, iwi and manuwhiri are expected to uphold the rules and regulations of Whaiora marae and tiikanga such as no eating and drinking in the whare tuupuna. Whaiora is situated within a group of entities that are a part of the Parish of St John the Evangelist. The historical relationship between Maaori and the Catholic Church remains closely associated with Bishop Pompallier the first Bishop of Aotearoa New Zealand and Te Tiriti o Waitangi 6 February 1840.Together, and with the leadership of Pā Bierbooms, the Otara and Otaahuhu Maaori Catholic Societies made the decision to build a traditional meeting house to meet the aspirations and needs of whaanau Maaori from Ngaa Hau e Wha. This included associated buildings on St John the Evangelist Parish grounds and became known as ‘Whaiora Marae Maaori Catholic Centre’ The whare tuupuna Te Wai Ariki was officially opened on 22 October 1977. The Maaori Catholic Society is integral to the uniqueness of Whaiora where Maaori identity and cultural aspirations are integrated with religious expression. The ornate whakairo (carvings) in the whare tuupuna bear testament to this special relationship where the two main Poutokomanawa - ridge- poles respectively honour paramount chief Pootatau Te Wherowhero and Bishop Pompallier.Whaiora marae strives to meet the spiritual and cultural aspirations of whaanau, hapuu and iwi and whaanau Maaori residing in Otara and the wider communities. It endeavours to provide facilities for the operation and delivery of health and education programmes, initiatives that will uplift and enrich Maaori aspirations as well as the spiritual and social health and wellbeing of all people. Manaakitanga is one of the corner stones of Maaori values and Whaiora has extended hospitality and generosity to people from many walks of life. This marae consistently works to provide a safe environment and to be a special place of Maaori identity, dignity, and humility.This marae hosts whaanau, hapuu and iwi events including celebrations and tangihanga. Recently, Whaiora marae welcomed Indigenous people from many nations as well as national and international dignitaries. Today, Whaiora marae and the surrounding premises have served the people well and are now showing their age. Efforts to improve these facilities will be the main focus over the up-and coming years. Marae members are committed to providing facilities that will match the beauty and versatility of the whare tuupuna and to serve the community well into the future.Kawa: ‘Whaaia te Waiora o te Atua’Services: Fully functional wharenui and wharekaiDisability Accessible: AeStrengths: Updating facilities Providing a safe environment and special place of Maaori identity, dignity and humilityToohunga Whakairo: Pakariki Harrison noo Harataunga noo Ngaati Porou and nephews Pinee and John TaiapaToohunga Tukutuku: Ngaawini Puru and Wanairangi Nopera nieces to Henare Toka noo Te Uri o Hau, noo Ngaati WhaatuaToohunga Koowhaiwhai: Wii Grace noo Tuuwharetoa