As someone who grew up on the Marae its a privilege to be able to understand and appreciate the purpose and meaning of what a Marae brings to our community, both near and far. As a kid growing up my experience was the Marae was always a place of happy memories (and sad whenever there was a tangihanga/funeral), a place of empowerment, healing, restoration, identity, belonging, wellbeing, learning, spiritual growth, a safe haven, remembering our history and ancestors, connectedness and a place that embraces the importance of identity and belonging. We wish all our whanaunga and iwi in Poihakena/Sydney the very best in pursing their dream to get a Marae built. Were sure it will not only be an enormous positive for the local community but become a focal point where people can meet from all over Australia to share, enjoy and celebrate what it means to believe in the importance of taking care of one another, togetherness, culture and unity. Whakatauki/Proverb: Tangata ako ana i te whare, te turanga ki te marae, tau ana / A person who is taught at home, will stand collected on the Marae (meeting house grounds). A child who is given proper values at home and cherished within his family, will not only behave well amongst the family but also within society and throughout his life. Tumeke Nga Uri o Rahiri, Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui! From the article: THE first traditional Maori community centre, a marae, outside New Zealand is on track to be built at Greystanes. A proposed marae – or Maori meeting grounds – could become a cultural and sporting hub expected to attract New Zealand’s elite groups including the All Blacks and the Warriors. The first of its kind in Australia, the plan has been put forward by local Maori community group Nga Uri O Rahiri, which would fund the cultural centre. The plan would see the construction of the marae on the northern part of Hyland Road Park. A marae is a building commonly found throughout New Zealand that serves as an educational, cultural, community and exhibition centre for indigenous Maori. The centre is expected to attract New Zealand’s elite sporting stars including All Blacks player Sonny Bill Williams. It is hoped the New Zealand Warriors would use the sports facilities as a training ground The aim is to attract leading sporting and cultural groups visiting from New Zealand through the provision of world class sports facilities alongside the marae. A masterplan for the redevelopment of the Gipps Rd and Hyland Rd Parklands also includes an international cricket field, two dual-use cricket and football playing fields, playgrounds, carparks and a proposed Multipurpose Indoor Sports Complex. Work on the sporting fields is set to go ahead in the second half of this year. A marae is a fenced-in complex of carved buildings and grounds which belongs to a particular tribe. However, the plan for the Marae Cultural Centre is still in the early stages with Holroyd Council calling for further studies to be undertaken before the development application is lodged. This follows concerns by some residents in the surrounding area. Council consulted with 160 property owners and held a community workshop at the site. It has called for detailed traffic, flora and fauna, acoustic and environmental reports from qualified consultants to assess any impacts from the proposed cultural development. Holroyd Mayor Greg Cummings said council wanted to raise community awareness of the project and to gauge interest for the proposal. The Gipps Rd sports grounds would receive an upgrade under the plans. “By hearing what the community has to say, we’ve been able to identify impacts that may arise from a new development,” he said. “Local residents indicated they want to be given the opportunity to respond to more detailed information regarding traffic, noise and environmental impacts.” A Marae in Sydney will enable our Maori community to maintain their tikanga and te reo, hold tangihanga, celebrations and wananga. The centre would provide a place for youth to learn about the Maori culture. The Nga Uri O Rahiri website says the marae provides an inclusive environment for youth to learn about their culture and identity. “Our iwi traditions can be passed on to our people at the marae where they can feel a sense of belonging. “The main motivation behind a marae, is to ensure that families have a place for their tangihanga (funeral rite); hence the reason why our people have worked collectively over three decades to have a marae built in Sydney.” MARAE The marae (meeting grounds) is the focal point of Maori communities throughout New Zealand. A marae is a fenced-in complex of carved buildings and grounds which belongs to a particular iwi (tribe), hapu (sub-tribe) or whanau (family). Maori people see their marae as their place to stand and belong. It is used for meetings, celebrations and funerals.
Posted on: Sat, 24 Jan 2015 06:35:31 +0000
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