Migrants invited to share Maori culture on Rotorua marae

27 February 2014

Migrants invited to share Maori culture on Rotorua marae

Rotorua Settlement Support, Ngati Rangiteaorere and English Language Partners are inviting local migrants to come along and enjoy a day on a marae next month.

Migrants are invited to Mataikotare Marae on the eastern shores of Lake Rotorua on Saturday 22 March where they can experience a powhiri (welcome), tour the marae and community gardens, and share lunch and stories with local Maori and other migrants.

Rotorua District Council Settlement Support coordinator, Heather McAllister, said Te Runanga o Ngati Rangiteaorere approached her about sharing its maara kai (community gardens) project with local migrants.

“The hapu is keen to build relationships with migrants in our community, and inviting them onto the marae enables Maori and our new residents to connect with each other through our culture.

“Mataikotare Marae is impressive and the everyday activities that go on there, such as maara kai, are quite remarkable. This is also a great opportunity for migrants, young and old, to learn about our Maori culture in a relaxed and inviting environment, and to chat with local Maori people.”

Coordinator of the event, Ivin Kiripatea, said the iwi of Ngati Rangiteaorere has been presented with a wonderful opportunity to share with the migrant community here in Te Arawa.

“Migrants will have lots of fun as we show people our facilities and walk and talk them through ourmaara kai.

“More than that, our invitation extends to everyone to join us at our community fruit and vegetable garden where people will be invited to grow food from their native countries, share languages, and enjoy the hospitality which Ngati Rangiteaorere is known for.”

To register email ssnzrotorua@rdc.govt.nz.

Attendees are to gather outside Mataikotare Marae before the powhiri at 11am on Saturday, 22 March. The event will finish at 1.30pm.

ENDS

© Scoop Media