Waipapa Marae

The opening gate and the lawn of the Marae

Waipapa Marae is:

  • the focal point of Māori life at our University
  • for the benefit and support of our entire University community
  • where visitors can be formally welcomed onto our campus.

Our whare whakairo – Tāne-nui-ā-rangi – represents all major tribes, unlike many meeting houses on tribal marae.

The symbolic conception of Tāne-nui-ā-rangi, the meeting-house on Waipapa Marae, was formulated by the tohunga whakairo Pākariki Harrison. The primary ancestors of the house are the ancestor-gods with whom students of all tribes can identify. Around the walls are the captains and priest-navigators of the canoes that brought the ancestors of the different tribes to New Zealand in the 14th century. Also included in the house is Tangi'ia, an ancestor who connects the major islands of the Pacific with New Zealand. Thus, the house is pan-Pacific as well as pan-tribal.

The Marae on which Tāne-nui-ā-rangi stands is named after Waipapa, the landing place of canoes on what is now Beach Road opposite the old railway station. The name acknowledges Ngāti Whātua ki Orākei as the tangata whenua of Waitematā. Logs of tōtara and kauri were donated by Ngāti Hine for the carving of the house. They were formally visited by a deputation from the University to thank them for their gift.

Māori Studies students and staff use the Marae for language classes and seminars. The Marae is also used by other parts of the University and by various community groups. The marae is often booked months ahead for ceremonial welcomes for international conferences. On formal occasions, Māori Studies staff and students are the tangata whenua of the marae. On important ceremonial occasions Ngāti Whātua kaumātua also take a leading role on the taumata.

The Marae is a taonga and like all taonga deserves respectful behaviour, including practical care and upkeep of its grounds.

History of the University of Auckland's Waipapa Marae

This video has interviews with University of Auckland staff including Ranginui Walker (History of Research) and Anne Salmond (Social History of the University of Auckland)

Find out more about the Marae:

  • Tāne-nui-ā-rangi, a book explaining the symbolism of the meeting house, can be bought from the Department of Māori Studies or the University Bookshop.

Information about visiting the Marae

University departments can negotiate to use the facilities for appropriate functions.

  • The Marae is next to the Department of Māori Studies at 16 Wynyard Street.
  • Eating and drinking is not permitted in the Wharenui - Tāne-nui-ā-rangi.
  • The Dining hall - Reipae, has kitchen facilities available for catering. 
  • Restrooms are available, with disbility access.
  • Audio and Visual facilities are available.
  • University and Community hui needs to be booked in advance (overnight hui requires adult supervision).
  • Please discuss Marae hireage cost and koha along with payment method with the Marae Taurima.

 

Building 252 - Tāne-nui-ā-rangi

Building 252 - Reipae 

 

Contact details and bookings  

Pro Vice Chancellor Māori Office

Phone: +64 9 373 7599 ext 88166
Email:Waipapa.marae@auckland.ac.nz

The pattern of Marae's gate