News & Events

Ngahere Korowai

29 September 2025

Grow a tiny forest on a marae and show others how

The 100 sq.m. ngahere korowai will be planted on naturally swampy land, protected by a 2m high deer fence. Following the Miyawaki ‘tiny forest’ method, we’ll work with kura, whanau and the community to plant some 400 locally native plants into deeply dug, enriched soil, producing a fast-growing, densely planted micro-forest that will require minimal maintenance after the first 2-3 years.

In a relatively short time we expect to see the return of native birds, insects and beneficial soil microbes, improved water retention, and reduced runoff onto the marae grounds.

The ngahere and adjoining cultural play space will connect tamariki with nature through a variety of activities and traditional games and provide a foundation for the development of practical skills and manaakitanga for tamariki and rangatahi to carry forward into the future.

Thanks to our project partners: Transition Town Lower Hutt, Wainuiomata Marae, Nature's Vela; PledgeMe donors; funding partners - Rotary Petone, Greater Wellington Regional Council and Hutt City Council.

Papakāinga

25 September 2025

Fulfilling a long-term vision and many years of dedicated mahi, the Wainuiomata Marae Charitable Trust (the Trust) is building a 12-home papakāinga on marae whenua. The project is a collaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Te Puni Kokiri, and has been supported by the University of Otago (Wellington), Kainga ora and the Hutt City Council.

The papakāinga, which is centred on the marae and based on kaitiakitanga and oranga Māori principles, was designed in conjunction with Urban Plus Limited, Pou Architects, Blac and Local Landscaping and the Hutt City Council. The 12 affordable rental homes, ranging from 1-4 bedrooms, will be complete around mid 2027.

Papa Tākaro

25 September 2025

As part of its strategy to support community wellbeing, the Wainuiomata Marae is developing a papa tākaro on its whenua. The project is part of the Lego-funded Family Spirit Programme which supports indigenous tamariki and whānau wellbeing projects, with a focus on ‘a world of play’. This project has also been implemented in Australia, USA and Canada. Our papa tākaro acknowledges local waterways and has a focus on tamariki connecting with Te Taiao and whakapapa through a range of sensory and interactive nature-based play elements – including 2 slides representing Ngake and Whātaitai. The papa tākaro welcomes whānau to join their tamariki - through the waharoa - and also has a covered area where whānau can sit and have a kai.

The project is a global collaboration lead by Te Rōpū Rangahau Hauora a Eru Pōmare (Aotearoa), and is being designed in conjunction with Local Landscapers. The papa tākaro is expected to be completed in late 2026.

Hurricanes Give Back to the Community

14 December 2024

On Monday 9th of December a swirl of aroha was poured into our community. The Hurricanes divided into three groups to paint fences at Wainuiomata Marae and Barnardo’s Early Learning Child Centre, as well as assist in packing food parcels, building a greenhouse, and caring for the garden at Pataka Kai.

Some of WRFC high school rugby players from Wainui High School, St Pats Silverstream, St Bernard’s College, and Scots College also had the chance to meet the team and work along side them.

They also spent time on Queen Street to visit local businesses that support the Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club.

Check out this Facebook reel which was posted by the Wainuiomata Rugby Football Club or visit this Facebook link to view a post by the Hurricanes.

Ngā Hau e Wha o Wainuiomata Marae Awards Evening 2024

12 December 2024

It was the annual awards evening for Ngā Hau e Wha o Wainuiomata Marae (NHEW), a night to celebrate and honour all those involved in the club. NHEW was initially set up to create a pathway for Māori to achieve at sport, improve their health and well being, participate in the community and connect with their whakapapa and identity. Read more...

Wainuiomata Marae Papakainga Project

08 December 2024

A project in Wellington to build public housing connected to a microgrid on Māori reserve land is providing a way for one community to deal with the housing crisis and could become a pilot project for others around the country. Read more...

Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma Trust’s Cheryl Davies wins top health research award

28 November 2024

Davies heads Tu Kotahi Māori Asthma and Research Trust, focusing on asthma education and health research. Her work includes establishing a marae-based pain clinic and developing an asthma toolkit for kōhanga reo. Read more...

Wainuiomata Activating for the Hikoi

18 November 2024

Wainuiomata Marae had the privilege of hosting 200 whānau from Tainui Waka – Kingitanga who arrived in support of the Toitu te Tiriti Hikoi in Wellington City to Parliament. Read more...

NHEW Kōtiro selected to represent NZ Māori in Rugby League

17 October 2024

With 9 kōtiro selected to play NZ Māori U17 Rugby League NHEW was by far the most represented club. The girls whom all reside in the Wellington region will play for NZ Māori in the National Pacific Cup against other nations such as Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Niue in Auckland.