Ngā Māori

Marae are institutions vital to Māori culture.  They are used for tangihanga, hui, and wānanga as well as civic events, welcoming visiting dignitaries, celebrations and commemorations, legal and state hearings, and tourism. Iwi and hapū have well-established marae on their lands within the region while other marae are built in schools, tertiary education institutions, a naval base, and local communities.