Rangatira Marae Rebuild Reaches Major Milestone in Te Karaka

A significant milestone has been reached in the restoration of Rangatira Marae in Te Karaka, as new buildings begin to take shape on a relocated site. The rebuild marks a major step forward for the Ngāti Wahia whānau and hapū, who have been working to re-establish their tūrangawaewae since the original facility was severely damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Speaking with Radio Waatea on Monday, 28 September 2026, Whitiaua Ropitini, Secretary of the Rangatira Marae Trust, confirmed that progress is now visible on the ground. During the 2023 disaster, floodwaters reached approximately three metres up the walls of the original wharenui, necessitating the eventual relocation of the marae to a new site just a few minutes away from the original whenua. Construction has progressed to the point where framing and roof trusses are now in place for three separate buildings. This includes a new wharenui specifically designed to retain the character and spirit of the original ancestral house. For the community, the physical structures represent more than just infrastructure; they signal the return of a dedicated space for whakapapa, tikanga, and connection after several years without a functioning marae. The project is also providing a boost to the regional economy by creating local supply, trade, and employment opportunities within Tairāwhiti. Ropitini indicated that every new frame erected represents another step toward bringing the whānau home. While there is still significant work ahead, the project remains on track for completion, which is currently expected by the end of 2027.