Tuahiwi Marae in north Canterbury has celebrated the opening of its newly built whare Maahunui II.
Mahuunui II. Photo: Kaptured Photography
The old Maahunui hall built in 1922 was pulled down in January. Work on a new building started soon after, with input from Ngai Tuahuriri elders and hapu members.
The head of the Ngai Tuahuriri Runanga, Rakiihia Tau, says the opening of the whare represents their intention to strengthen their relationship with the past, the present and the future and to share it with surrounding Maori and non-Maori communities in Christchurch and in the wider Canterbury area.
Local councillors, MPs and Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon attended the opening along with other dignitaries and tribal leaders from across Aotearoa.