Continuing the kaupapa at Te Upoko o Te Whenua
The redevelopment of Te Upoko o Te Whenua has always been understood as a long term journey. A journey that is guided by the aspirations of Ngāti Maru to strengthen their connection to whenua, support the return of tāngata whenua to their ūkaipō and create spaces capable of serving generations to come.
The original masterplan established a framework for this journey with the first stage focusing on improving the relationship between Ngarongo, the existing wharenui and the surrounding marae ātea. Landscape works, improved accessibility and the addition of a canopy extended the functionality of Ngarongo while deliberately ensuring Ngarongo remained the focus.
The blessing of the completed canopy marked more than the completion of Stage 1; it was a moment of reaffirmation. Reaffirmation of the kaupapa, the aspirations that had guided the masterplan and the journey ahead for Te Upoko o Te Whenua.
2026 – E haere tonu ana te kaupapa o Te Upoko o Te Whenua Marae
Building on the foundations established through the masterplan and Stage 1, the kaupapa continues.
Stage 2 looks to strengthen the wider marae environment, providing spaces to support manaakitanga, wānanga and larger gatherings.
At the heart of this next stage is the development of the Whare Manaaki and Wharekai. The design considers not only how each building functions individually but how people move, gather and connect across the marae as a whole.
Throughout the design process, the aspiration to be ‘unapologetically Maru’ remains central. Rather than cultural identity being something applied to the architecture, the developing design seeks to provide space for Ngāti Maru identity, values and kōrero to be expressed throughout the buildings and landscape.
Stage 2 continues the wider vision established through the original masterplan. It responds to the needs of whānau today but more importantly looks ahead supporting a marae that can continue to grow, adapt and support generations of Ngāti Maru as they look to return, gather, learn and grow at Te Upoko o Te Whenua.
Aerial of Marae
Marutau te marae, marutau te iwi
This whakataukī is a Maru variant that connects to the foundational environmental and cultural maxim, “Toitū te marae a Tāne, toitū te marae a Tangaroa, toitū te tangata”, if the land and sea are cared for, the people will thrive.
