Background:

The whenua upon which Ngaatira Marae is situated has the legal status of a Maaori Reservation pursuant to section 338 if Te Ture Whenua Maaori Act 1993. It was created and set aside for the common use of all those who whakapapa to Ngaatira Marae as a meeting place for the conduct of:

(a) Whaanau/Family, Hapuu and Community gatherings;

(b) Land meetings;

(c) Weddings and birthdays;

(d) Tangihanga & funerals;

(e) Religious, education or social gatherings;

(f) Waananga and Community Development initiatives;

(g) Sports Clubs and sporting fixtures.

In brevity, to stay true to our values; Ngaatira Marae is available to community groups or to whaanau that whakapapa to the Marae; or for social, religious, community, educational, and sporting events which fit within the above context or categories; and to which events enhance whaanaugatanga; and underpin, foster and promote the tuuturu Maaori worldview, and perspectives of our Iwi, Hapuu and Whaanau.

All pōwhiri or whakatau at Ngātira Marae follow the kawa of Waikato-Tainui: Tu Mai, Tu Atu (tauutuutu). For groups visiting Ngātira Marae for the first time, a whakatau at the start of your stay is required (or strongly recommended) in order to uphold our local tikanga, kawa, and kaupapa.

Whakatau can typically be scheduled between 9:00–11:00am and 2:00–4:00pm, with the final time slot beginning no later than 4:00pm. However, we kindly ask that flexibility is allowed to accommodate the availability of our Kaumātua and Kuia.

The wharenui at Ngātira Marae is named Te Tikanga a Tāwhiao, and the wharekai is named Hine Te Kakara. The marae holds ancestral connections to the Tainui waka, the Ōraka awa, and Maunga Hautere. Ngātira is recognised as a Mana Whenua Marae.

The Dining room at Ngātira Marae is named “Hine te Kakara”, and can cater up to 230 people. It also has a commercial kitchen, & appliances; and an expansive front balcony, which is often utilised as a dining and socialising space during pleasant weather.

The Ahuru Wharemoe (sleeping house) can accommodate up to 40 people.