Poho-O-Rawiri Marae

About Poho-O-Rawiri Marae

Envision a place where history, community, and tradition intertwine—this is Poho-O-Rawiri Marae in Gisborne. Located in Inner Kaiti, Kaiti, this sacred Māori cultural venue serves as the heart of local Māori life, offering a space for connection and celebration. Like many Maraes across Aotearoa (New Zealand), it typically features a wharenui (meeting house), a carved and storied structure where gatherings take place, embodying the ancestors and stories of the people. As a Marae in Gisborne, Poho-O-Rawiri stands as a bastion of cultural identity, welcoming those who seek to engage in events rooted in Māori values. It is here that tikanga (protocols) guides every interaction, ensuring that all who enter feel the warmth of manaakitanga (hospitality). This Marae is not just a venue; it is a living expression of heritage and kinship.

At Poho-O-Rawiri Marae, spaces are designed for bringing people together. Whether it’s a formal hui (gathering) to discuss important matters, a tangihanga (funeral) to honor loved ones, or a wedding celebration infused with cultural significance, the Marae offers a unique setting unlike any conventional venue. Its role as a Māori community hub ensures that every event is imbued with meaning, grounded in the shared values of whanaungatanga (relationships) and respect for tradition. Accessibility features, such as wheelchair-accessible parking and entrances, also reflect a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring more individuals can partake in the cultural experiences hosted here.

Cultural Significance of Poho-O-Rawiri Marae

Treasured as a cornerstone of Māori life, Poho-O-Rawiri Marae in Gisborne plays an essential role in preserving and sharing Māori culture. Maraes are more than physical spaces; they are the heartbeat of iwi (tribes) and hapū (sub-tribes), serving as places where ancestors are remembered, and future generations are nurtured. At this Marae, tikanga (customary protocols) governs how events and interactions unfold, ensuring respect for the land, the people, and the spiritual dimensions of life. Whether hosting cultural ceremonies in Gisborne or daily community activities, the Marae upholds a deep sense of purpose rooted in Māori values.

The events held at Maraes like Poho-O-Rawiri are deeply significant to the community. Hui (meetings) bring people together to discuss matters of importance, fostering unity and dialogue. Tangihanga (funerals) provide a sacred space to grieve, remember, and honor the departed, guided by customs that connect the living to their ancestors. Weddings celebrated here are enriched with cultural elements, weaving together past and present in joyous unity. For those looking to host events at a Marae in Gisborne, the experience offers an opportunity to immerse in Māori traditions, guided by the principle of manaakitanga—extending care and respect to all who gather. This sense of hospitality ensures that everyone, whether whānau (family) or manuhiri (visitors), feels welcomed and valued.

Beyond events, the Marae fosters whanaungatanga, the intricate web of relationships that binds Māori communities. It is a place where stories are shared, histories are preserved, and cultural knowledge is passed down through karakia (prayers), waiata (songs), and kōrero (discussions). Engaging with a Marae for Māori cultural events is not just about hiring a space; it is about stepping into a living legacy, contributing to the continuity of traditions, and supporting the community that sustains it. At Poho-O-Rawiri, every gathering reinforces the enduring strength of Māori identity in Aotearoa.

Discover Gisborne

Woven into the fabric of New Zealand’s East Coast, Gisborne, also known as Tairāwhiti, holds a special place in Māori history and culture, making it an ideal location for a Marae like Poho-O-Rawiri. Often celebrated as the first place in the world to greet the sunrise, Gisborne’s cultural landscape is as vibrant as its natural beauty. The region boasts a strong Māori heritage, with many iwi and hapū maintaining deep connections to the land and sea. For those seeking to host events at a Marae in Gisborne, the setting enhances the experience with a profound sense of place, grounding ceremonies in the history and mana (prestige) of the area.

Situated in Inner Kaiti, Kaiti, Poho-O-Rawiri Marae benefits from its proximity to Gisborne’s community and scenic attractions. Visitors might explore nearby landmarks such as Titirangi (Kaiti Hill), offering panoramic views and a glimpse into the region’s historical significance, including its association with Captain James Cook’s first landing in 1769. Gisborne’s coastline, with pristine beaches like Wainui, adds a tranquil backdrop for cultural ceremonies in Gisborne, allowing attendees to connect with both culture and nature. The town’s vibrant Māori arts scene, festivals, and markets further enrich the experience for those attending Marae events, showcasing the living culture of Tairāwhiti.

Gisborne’s accessibility as a regional hub also makes it a practical choice for gatherings. With connections to larger centers and a welcoming local community, the area supports a seamless blend of cultural immersion and logistical convenience. Choosing Poho-O-Rawiri Marae as a venue means embracing Gisborne’s unique blend of history and hospitality, ensuring that events—be they hui, tangihanga, or weddings—are not only memorable but deeply meaningful. As a Māori community hub, the Marae invites all who visit to appreciate the enduring spirit of Tairāwhiti and the cultural treasures it holds.