Ohako Marae

About Ohako Marae

Experience the warmth and cultural depth of Ohako Marae in Manutuke Gisborne, a sacred space that serves as a cornerstone for the Māori community in the region. Located at 51 Papatu Road, Manutuke, Gisborne, this Marae is a vital Māori cultural venue where traditions are upheld and celebrated. Ohako Marae includes key facilities such as Te Kiko o Te Rangi, the wharenui (meeting house), which is the spiritual and communal heart of the Marae, and Te Ohako, the wharekai (dining hall/kitchen), where manaakitanga (hospitality) is shared through kai (food) and fellowship. As a place of gathering, it is available for bookings by beneficiaries, whānau, hapū, iwi, and community groups, reflecting its inclusive role as a space for connection and commemoration.

Ohako Marae is more than a physical location; it is a living embodiment of Māori heritage and values. Whether hosting significant life events or regular community engagements, the Marae provides an authentic environment where tikanga (protocols) are respected and preserved. Its welcoming atmosphere ensures that all who enter feel a sense of belonging, guided by the principles of respect and unity that are central to Māori culture.

Cultural Significance of Ohako Marae

Ohako Marae holds a profound place in the heart of Māori culture, serving as a Māori community hub where the past, present, and future converge. It is a space where whanaungatanga (kinship) binds individuals and families together, fostering relationships that are essential to the social fabric of Māori life. The Marae is often the setting for important events such as hui (meetings to discuss community matters), tangihanga (funerals that honor the deceased through traditional rites), and weddings, which unite whānau in celebration. Each event is conducted with strict adherence to tikanga, ensuring that cultural practices are maintained with integrity and respect.

The principle of manaakitanga (hospitality) is at the core of Ohako Marae’s ethos. Visitors are welcomed with open hearts, and the act of sharing kai (food) in the wharekai symbolizes communal strength and care. The wharenui, adorned with carvings and tukutuku (woven panels) that often tell the stories of ancestors, is a sacred space where discussions, ceremonies, and spiritual practices take place. This Marae, like many others, is a repository of Māori history and identity, safeguarding the teachings and values passed down through generations. For those looking to host events at a Marae in Manutuke Gisborne, Ohako offers a deeply meaningful venue where cultural ceremonies can be held in a respectful and authentic manner.

Beyond individual events, Maraes such as Ohako play a broader role in preserving te reo Māori (the Māori language) and ensuring that traditional knowledge remains alive. They are places where young and old gather to learn, share, and strengthen their cultural identity. For community groups or organizations seeking a venue for cultural ceremonies in Manutuke Gisborne, this Marae provides an opportunity to engage with Māori values in a setting that prioritizes spiritual and communal wellbeing over mere functionality.

Discover Manutuke, Gisborne

Bathed in the cultural richness of the Tairāwhiti region, Manutuke, Gisborne offers a serene and historically significant backdrop for Ohako Marae. Known for its deep connection to Māori heritage, Gisborne is one of the first places in the world to see the sunrise each day, a fact that holds symbolic importance in Māori cosmology as a place of beginnings. Manutuke itself is a small, close-knit community, imbued with a strong sense of history and ties to notable Māori figures and events. Visitors to Ohako Marae will find themselves in an area where the land and its stories resonate with cultural significance, enhancing the experience of hosting Marae events or participating in cultural ceremonies.

The wider Gisborne region is also home to numerous cultural landmarks and natural attractions, from the historic Titirangi (Kaiti Hill) offering panoramic views of the area to the tranquil beaches along the East Coast. This setting complements the spiritual and communal atmosphere of Ohako Marae, making it an ideal location for those seeking a meaningful venue grounded in Māori tradition. Gisborne’s reputation for warm hospitality mirrors the manaakitanga extended at the Marae, creating a seamless blend of local and cultural welcomes for those attending events.

For anyone looking to host events at a Marae in Manutuke Gisborne, the location provides not only a culturally immersive experience but also access to a community that values connection and respect for the environment. Whether planning a hui to unite stakeholders, a tangihanga to farewell a loved one, or a wedding to celebrate new beginnings, Ohako Marae offers a setting where the essence of Māori culture can shine through. The synergy of location and cultural depth ensures that events held here are memorable, rooted in tradition, and respectful of the sacred nature of the Marae.