Toi Ohomai celebrates 30 years of Tangatarua Marae

For three decades, Tangatarua Marae has been a place where people have come together to learn, connect, celebrate and belong.  

This week Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology will mark 30 years since the marae first opened its doors to the community.

Tangatarua Marae was established following a vision developed by leaders of Waiariki Institute of Technology in partnership with Te Arawa. What began as an idea, became a reality thanks to the dedication and commitment of educational leaders, kaumātua, local carvers, weavers and the wider community.

Widely recognised as one of the earliest purpose-built marae on a tertiary campus, Tangatarua helped set a benchmark for how vocational education institutions could strengthen connections with Māori communities and create culturally grounded learning environments.

Since opening in 1996, Tangatarua Marae has become the cultural heart of the Mokoia campus, welcoming thousands of visitors and providing a place of learning and connection for generations of ākonga (students) and kaimahi (staff).

Toi Ohomai Executive Director Tiriti Partnerships and Māori Success, Huia Lloyd, says the anniversary is an opportunity to honour the foresight and determination of those who championed the project.

"Tangatarua Marae was a visionary undertaking that reflected a commitment to Te Tiriti partnership and to creating an environment where Māori culture, language and values are visible, celebrated and embedded within tertiary education.

"For 30 years this marae has provided a place where people from all backgrounds can come together to learn, connect and strengthen relationships. It remains a living expression of the aspirations of those who built it and continues to guide how we support our learners, whānau and communities today."

Toi Ohomai Chief Executive Pim Borren says Tangatarua Marae continues to play a vital role in the institute's identity and success. Tangatarua is named after an iwi ancestor who lived on the land where the Mokoia Campus is situated today. Literally, Tangatarua translates to ‘two peoples, together in one place in one land’ - which reflects Toi Ohomai’s commitment to bi-cultralism.

"Tangatarua Marae is much more than a building. A Te Arawa marae with the support of manawhenua, it is a place of welcome, a place of learning and a place that embodies the values of respect, belonging and community.  

"As we celebrate this milestone, we acknowledge the vision and generosity of those who made the marae possible and recognise the lasting impact it has had on generations of learners, staff and visitors. We are proud of its place at the heart of our institution and look forward to seeing its legacy continue for many years to come."

Lyonel Grant, lead master carver for Tangatarua Marae, remembers the dedication and determination of those who brought the vision to life.  

He says the marae was the result of a collective effort by people who believed in creating something enduring for future generations.  

"It was a leap of faith at the time, but the cultural leadership, community support and commitment behind the project made it possible. Thirty years on, Tangatarua continues to provide a unique gateway into te ao Māori and remains a powerful place of learning, connection and belonging."

He says it is not possible to imagine Toi Ohomai without Tanagtarua Marae.

“In my travels abroad, such facilities embedded in institutions are rare to non-existent – what we have in this country is unique and the envy of other places around the world.”

The 30th anniversary celebrations will include opportunities to reflect on the history of Tangatarua Marae, share memories and acknowledge the many people whose efforts contributed to its establishment and ongoing success.

Today, Tangatarua Marae continues to serve as a gathering place for educational, cultural and community events, reflecting the vision of its founders and the close relationship between Toi Ohomai and the communities it serves.

A series of commemorative events have begun with a special pōhiri [Monday 5 October], bringing together kaimahi, ākonga, alumni, kaumātua, community members and those who helped bring the original vision for the marae to life.