Ngā Whare Waatea in Mangere Central has served as a community gathering place for more than 30 years. Our tūpuna and founders dreamed there would be a marae for all who lived in the city. The name, Ngā Whare Waatea, signals to everyone that “ahakoa ko wai te tangata, ahakoa nō hea te tangata, ka waatea te marae mo te katoa” (no matter who you are, no matter where you are from, this marae is available for you). Today we are ngā mokopuna morehu (the descendants) of those who travelled to the city to find a new life for themselves, their tamariki and their mokopuna. Our reo and tikanga are aligned with our urban-based whānau. The word hapu (sub-tribe) is replaced by hāpori (community). We have our own colloquialisms which speak to our role in the communities we serve.

Ka rere taku manu ki ngā tōpito o te takiwā
Kei runga noa atu tana rerenga
Hei manutaki o te hāpori

Our bird flies to all the boundaries of our district
Soaring high, watchful and ever vigilant over our community.

Ngā Whare Waatea has hosted many significant Kaupapa Māori initiatives over the years; cultural and political. Whether we are rallying for a cause or celebrating with our whānau, Ngā Whare Waatea Marae is where we come together to connect with each other and support our South Auckland community.

It has a significant place in history as the rallying point for landmark issues such as the Māori Language Act, Broadcast Amendment Act, the Foreshore and Seabed hikoi, Māori representation on the Auckland Super City Council and the urban Māori challenge to the fisheries settlement.

The marae has also hosted many celebrations, including MUMA founder Dame June Te Muranga Jackson's investiture at the marae in 2010. It is the home of MUMA and Radio Waatea – and it is where we demonstrate the value of the whānau kaupapa every day.

The marae serves as the puna wai, or cultural oasis, within the urban context that permeates through each of the different services and activities with a strong underlying commitment to reo me ōna tikanga. We look to the traditional teachings of our tūpuna as we understand the positive impacts these teachings and philosophies can have on whānau who are seeking to make fundamental and transformative changes to the way they function in the world.

The Marae Board

Unfortunately our Marae is unavailable for noho/overnight stays, tangi, and weekend bookings.

Ngā mihinui, Ngā Whare Waatea Marae Administration