Pikiparia Marae

About Pikiparia Marae

Truly a cornerstone of Māori heritage, Pikiparia Marae in Kohukohu, Northland, offers a sacred space for connection and celebration as a premier Māori cultural venue. Located within the Far North District, this Marae is one of the significant community spaces under the guardianship of Te Rarawa iwi, dedicated to the spiritual, cultural, and social growth of its people. At its heart lies the wharenui (meeting house), a beautifully crafted structure often adorned with carvings and tukutuku (woven panels) that tell the stories of ancestors and traditions. This Marae is more than just a physical location; it is a living embodiment of history and identity, welcoming all who enter with respect for tikanga (Māori protocols). Whether hosting community events or cultural ceremonies, Pikiparia Marae provides a meaningful setting for gatherings that honour the past while nurturing future generations.

As a Māori community hub, Pikiparia Marae plays an integral role in bringing people together for various occasions. It serves as a central place for hui (meetings) where important decisions are made, tangihanga (funerals) to mourn and celebrate loved ones, and weddings that blend traditional Māori values with personal milestones. Visitors are embraced with warmth and hospitality, reflecting the principle of manaakitanga, ensuring everyone feels a sense of belonging. The Marae’s connection to Te Rarawa iwi underscores its purpose in protecting taonga (treasures) and fostering opportunities for cultural and economic development, as outlined by Te Rūnanga o Te Rarawa.

Cultural Significance of Pikiparia Marae

Steeped in tradition, Pikiparia Marae holds profound cultural significance for the Māori community in Kohukohu and beyond. It is a place where whanaungatanga (relationships and kinship) is strengthened through shared experiences, laughter, and tears. The Marae acts as a sanctuary for preserving and passing down Māori customs, language, and values to future generations. Every event held here is guided by tikanga, ensuring that protocols are followed to honour the ancestors and maintain the mana (prestige) of the space. From the pōwhiri (welcome ceremony) that greets visitors to the kōrero (discussions) held within the wharenui, every interaction at Pikiparia Marae is imbued with meaning and respect for tradition.

The Marae is often the heart of cultural ceremonies in Kohukohu, hosting events that are pivotal to Māori life. Hui bring together iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes) to discuss matters of importance, fostering unity and collaboration. Tangihanga provide a space for communal grieving and remembrance, allowing families to honour their loved ones in a culturally significant way. Weddings at a Marae blend the joy of new beginnings with deep-rooted customs, creating lifelong memories steeped in heritage. Beyond these events, Pikiparia Marae serves as an educational space where tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) learn about their culture through wānanga (workshops) and storytelling. This commitment to cultural continuity ensures that the Marae remains a vital part of Māori identity in the Far North.

For those looking to host events at a Marae in Kohukohu, Pikiparia Marae offers a unique opportunity to engage with Māori culture in an authentic and respectful way. It is not merely a venue but a living connection to the land, the people, and their stories. Engaging with the local community through the Marae fosters mutual understanding and appreciation, embodying the Māori value of manaakitanga, where hospitality and care for others are paramount.

Discover Kohukohu

Envision hosting your next gathering amidst the tranquil beauty of Kohukohu, a historic township in Northland’s Far North District. Nestled along the shores of the Hokianga Harbour, Kohukohu offers a serene and picturesque setting that enhances the spiritual atmosphere of Pikiparia Marae. Known for its rich history and strong ties to Te Rarawa iwi, this area is a treasure trove of cultural narratives, from ancient Māori settlements to colonial-era stories. The natural surroundings, with rolling hills and proximity to the water, create an ideal backdrop for cultural ceremonies in Kohukohu, whether it’s a poignant tangihanga or a joyous wedding celebration.

Kohukohu’s charm lies in its quiet, unassuming nature, making it a perfect location for those seeking an authentic Māori cultural venue away from the bustle of larger centres. The township serves as a gateway to the broader Hokianga region, often referred to as the cradle of Māori-European interaction in New Zealand. Nearby attractions, such as the majestic Waipoua Forest with its ancient kauri trees, including the famous Tāne Mahuta, offer visitors a chance to connect with the natural taonga (treasures) of the area. The Hokianga Harbour itself is a place of legend, believed to be the landing point of Kupe, the Polynesian navigator who first discovered Aotearoa (New Zealand), adding layers of cultural depth to the region.

For those planning Marae events, Kohukohu provides a unique blend of historical significance and natural beauty, enriching any gathering with a sense of place and purpose. The community spirit of the area, deeply rooted in Māori values, ensures that visitors are welcomed with open arms, making it an ideal destination to host events at a Marae in Kohukohu. Whether you’re drawn by the cultural connections or the peaceful environment, Pikiparia Marae and its surroundings offer a profoundly meaningful experience for all who visit.