Five Gisborne marae impacted by severe weather in early 2023 will move to safer locations with the support of the Crown, the Government has announced today.
The trustees of Puketawai, Hinemaurea ki Mangatuna, Okuri, Takipū and Rangatira Marae had made the “difficult decision” to relocate and re-establish their respective marae in new locations.
More than $136 million, which was allocated from Budgets 2023 and 2024 would fund the programme, including the costs to relocate owners of 24 whenua Māori properties, demolition of residential structures, and some assistance to support affected sites of cultural significance — principally urūpa.
Emergency Management Minister Mark Mitchell said the local council designated these marae as high risk and “not safe to occupy” because of “unacceptable risk to life from future extreme weather”.
“Each of the marae have accepted the Crown’s support package and have acquired new sites to relocate to. The new sites are in close proximity within, or close to, their respective tribal boundaries.”
Mitchell said the impact of the severe weather on the marae was “devastating” for the many whānau, hapū, and the wider community connected to these marae.
“The decision to relocate is not an easy one and has come from the desire of the Marae Trustees to keep their marae, and their respective whānau, safe and secure, protecting the lives of those who might otherwise be at real risk from any future severe weather events.”
Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka said relocating the individual marae would take time.
“We expect the relocation works, including the rebuild of wharenui and whare kai where required due to the damage, will take place over the next two or so years. For some of the marae, the project is a complete rebuild.”
Of the five marae, three were located in the Uawa/Tolaga Bay area, with the other two in Te Karaka.
“The Crown is also working with two Kahungunu Marae, Tangoio and Petāne in Hawke’s Bay with support packages available to both marae so they too can reestablish in safer locations,” Potaka said, adding that reaching this point was a “significant milestone”.
“Most importantly, it will provide affected whanau and hapu peace of mind, and will have the added benefit of creating opportunities for SMEs and jobs.”
