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| Marae: Kauangaroa Kei Whea: 22km's east of Wanganui Wharepuni: Kimihia Iwi: Ngati Apa Hapu: Nga Wairiki Waka: Kurahaupo Tikanga Marae: Hui: Paeke Tangi: Paeke Awa: Whangaehu For various reasons, marae were often established then relocated nearby as was the case for many of the marae throughout the Wanganui River Valley. The marae at Kauangaroa, having originally been situated a short distance away on land owned by Paewai-Te Tua family, also followed suit, but the background to the move which holds very special historical significance for the Nga Wairiki extended family and its descendants, is as interesting as it is unique. At the height of the Ringa-tu era, presided over by founder, Te Kooti, based just out of present day Gisbourne, a small bend of Kauangaroa enthusiasts led by Te Kaahu Eruera visted Te Kooti, inviting him back to the marae to share his new found wisdom and the promise of salvation through the gospel with those still home. Te Kaahu's invitation, however met resistance since there was an already established Catholic congregation with its own churchhouse amongst his people. Prompted by this rebuttal he set up a temporary marae nearby making do with tents and other similar materials temporary premises that were eventually to become the established plaza of Nga Wairiki which was formally blessed by Te Kooti when he arrived after accepting Te Kaahu's invitation, Te Kooti in fact made two visits and it was during the second of these that he named the wharenui Kimihia (seek the kingdom) reminding the locals as he did so, that while houses and marae are to be respected with dignity there is nothing more important than that we share with one another the word of the Lord. |
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| Once a valley filled with laughter, love and life the marae and surrounding area presently boasts no more then a mere handful of families although many of the descendants return as the need arises. Basically a youthful generation, Nga Wairiki is fortunate still to have kaumatua like Matiu (a senior kaumatua of Nga Paerangi-kaiwhaiki as well) and Pokau Puki among others, who are sufficiently tuned into them to realise that, while their tradition vales are not being neglected, the often have to be rewrapped in understanding and tolerance to survive all. Many are the stories of great smelt shoals that burst nets, of tun-rere catches of massive proportions, of abundance in all varieties of food resources, in short truely a valley of veritable richness and character, sharing in this richness for a time were downstream marae neighbours Mate-te-ra, and Akerama, both of which are now uninhabited. In its day, however the Akerama, Mate-te-ra and Kauangaroa combined sports teams known locally as the "A.M.K: were a force to reckon with. Sadly the sun has set on such times. But that being so it is still hoped that Nga Wairiki heed the words of Te Kooti when he said of their ancestral house, Kimihia "I open you as a shelter for the birds of the air that they may enter and bathe in the warmth of the peace of God" "I huakina e ahau hei taumaraumarutanga mo nga manu katoa e haera mai ana ki te kauhau i te rongomau o te atua. Ahakoa tokoiti; ka whai te tokorahi" What does it matter that you are so few; embrace what you have and others will follow. |
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| This information about our marae is straight from Uncle Morvin T Simon's Book please click on the links below to read more information about our Marae. Many thanks to Uncle Moe, Uncle Simon, Aunty Rangi for assisting me in finding this. |
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