Marae Renovations
Well it has been some time since our last entry on the wharekai renovations. That doesn't mean nothing has been happening, it just means that the fundraising efforts of the komiti wahine and the community support for the fundraising markets have updated on the Yakka newsletter instead of here. BUT, the next planning hui for the wharekai renovations will be held on Sat 3rd Oct at Tau Henare Marae, following the 11AM Regional strategic cultural development hui for Whangarei District Council.
Good consistent water flow has been a problem for whanau using the marae for along time. Over the past 2007-08 summer Mike Daniels and Sam Tohu have worked on laying new water lines to the toilet block and the kitchen area and installing 6 new water tanks. We shouldn't have any water problems anymore! This is all part of the general work to upgrade and improve our marae facilities. The dining room and kitchen are in dire need of refurbishment, but costs are estimated at between $300-$500k, depending on whether a new roof and structural additions can be made. With very little funding options available, based on the Marae Committee's fundraising efforts of about $50k, and still no answer from DIY Marae, the Marae Committee are limited in what to do next. We will continue to apply for funding, but ask whanau to think about how we can carry out a big renovation job, such as is proposed, rather than finding garage sale and auction bargains to keep our poor old marae functioning, as well intentioned as they are, we would like a new refurbishment for this old girl!
Page last updated 23 Sep 2009
