Taunakitia Te Marae: Marae as Centres of Excellence - a Te Arawa Perspective

Aneta Morgan (Te Arawa) describes the results of their research project, Taunakitia Te Marae: Marae as Centres of Excellence - a Te Arawa Perspective, the aimof which was to identify and share best practice and aspirations in marae development across Te Arawa marae.

The research, conducted through multiple hui across the rohe, identified three key areas of need that would ensure that marae could be centres of excellence for their people. 

• Rangatahi engagement
• Succession planning
• Te Reo Māori

Funded by NPM, and conducted in collaboration with Waikato-Tainui College for Research & Development and Te Kotahi Research Institute, this project explores the concept that marae are integral to the identity and ongoing well-being of hapū and whanau, and are central to the survival of the language into the future.

Aneta Morgan (Te Arawa) initially trained as a primary school teacher then moved into positions such as Programme Director and tutor for a PTE teaching Maori performing arts, Project Coordinator for an iwi sports foundation, and finally her current role as Project Manager with Te Arawa Tangata. This position has enabled her to work closely with a group of 28 Te Arawa marae. Through an iwi driven community research project they have identified how marae can best be supported as critical components of cultural and social wellbeing in Te Arawa.