Located in Kaiaua beneath the Hunua Ranges, Wharekawa Marae serves the iwi of Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Whānaunga. The marae is currently undergoing renovations, with the wharenui, Paoa Whanaunga, being the focal point for wānanga, hui, and community gatherings.

In 1924 Aherata Ngaweke Waata and Tiatia Wiremu together granted 3 acres 0 roads and 3 perches of land to be set aside for the purposes of a Marae for the iwi of Ngāti Pāoa and Ngāti Whānaunga.

During this period Te Puea was visiting many Marae through Hauraki, raising funds for Tūrangawaewae and the whare ‘Mahinarangi’, the original Kimiora and Nga Wharemoe Pare Waikato and Pare Hauraki. During her visit under ‘Te Pou o Mangatawhiri’, she lay down a koha to Ngaati Paāoa and Ngaati Whanaunga to help stand a Marae.

When Tutawhiao Ngakete and Ngaati Paaoa kaumatua went to retrieve it, he was told by the senior kuia to return it. This kuia was Whakatutuki, otherwise known as Ki, or nanny Ki to many. She held great Mana among the people. It is said the reason for not accepting this koha is because of the project with which Te Puea was promoting, was of much greater importance than that of her own people. Besides Pare Hauraki whare was established at Tūrangawaewae for her Iwi. (E tu whakahoki te koha nei ki te Kahui Ariki mo Pare Wakato tena pea mo oku mokopuna hei whakatuu he whare mo tatou, a te waa).

This period was when Ngaati Paaoa and Ngaati Whanaunga lived a fairly sustainable lifestyle, living off the moana and the whenua. They congregated often to discuss many issues within their tribal boundaries of Hauraki. It is said a ‘kauta’ (corrugated cooking shed) stood on the premises during this time but was taken down. About the late 1940’s – 50’s after the Second resources by making their own blocks and building materials. Unfortunately, this was later condemned due to the materials being inferior. No further attempts were made after this.

Many families had moved to the cities in search of employment and education. Those families resettled in the sub urban districts of Auckland, South Auckland, Pukekohe, Tokoroa, Huntly and other parts of the country.

This migration left behind the kaumatua to tend to their whenua. Fairly soon Government policies, both at regional and national levels were to see many of the whānau whenua leased by the Māori Trust Office Māori Land Courts at pepper-corn rates for long periods of time. Consequently, this took it’s toll on our kaumatua.

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