Tāmaki Makaurau was buzzing over labour weekend as Hoani Waititi Marae and Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae hit two massive milestones: 45 years of the marae and 40 years of the kura kaupapa Māori movement. The celebrations weren’t just big, they were epic. Five full parts of pure wairua, whanaungatanga, and pride, honouring the past while charging full speed into the next 40 years.
Things kicked off with Rā Kaumātua, a beautiful day dedicated to the Ihorei o te marae, Papa Pita Sharples, Nana Aroha Paenga, and Nanny Letty Brown. It was a time to pause, reflect, and give thanks to those visionaries who built not just a marae and a kura, but a movement. There were pūrakau, waiata, katakata, and a few tears as everyone acknowledged the legacy that continues to uplift thousands across Tamaki Makaurau and beyond.
Adding to the mana of the day was the unveiling of Te Piki Ora, a stunning new māra rongoā created as a living tribute to the three Ihorei. Within this sacred space stand three pou, each representing Papa Pita, Nana Aroha, and Nanny Letty, guardians watching over the next generation, connecting the people back to te taiao and the healing energy of rongoā Māori. Te Piki Ora is more than a garden — it’s a space of reflection, learning, and renewal, symbolising the ongoing growth of the kaupapa they began.
From dawn to dusk, kaupapa moved to Te Pai Netball centre where colour, kai, and kapa lit up the whare! Whānau Day brought together kapa haka from across Tāmaki Makaurau, lighting up the stage with powerhouse performances that had everyone on their feet. Tamariki ran freely, kaumātua swayed proudly, and the air was filled with that pride in being Māori.
But it wasn’t just about looking back, it was also about looking forward. The strategic planning wānanga had whānau, alumni, and hāpori leaders dreaming boldly about the next chapter. The kōrero was all about sustaining the kaupapa, strengthening te reo, and ensuring the marae and kura continue to nurture Māori excellence for generations to come.
The celebrations were wrapped up in style with a black-tie gala - a night of glitz, gratitude, and storytelling. The evening honoured past and recent Raukura who continue to shine their light in the world while giving thanks to the generations who laid the path. There were awhiawhi, tears, haka, waiata and plenty of laughter as well as some incredible renditions of some classic waiata. Toi Tangata CEO, Darrio Penetito-Hemara, a proud Raukura delivered a korero at the gala, speaking on behalf of his era and reflecting on what it means to carry the Hoani Waititi legacy forward.
Then came one of the weekend’s most anticipated events, Raukura ki Rauātea, a friendly (and slightly competitive) reunion between the Taumatua crew (the first 20 years of Raukura) and the Taikākā crew (the next 20). The energy was unreal. There was cheering, reconnecting, and just a little bit of rivalry. Games, laughter, and endless reminiscing reminded everyone that once you’re Raukura, you’re Raukura for life.
And let’s not forget our very own Kaiwhakahaere Matua CEO, Darrio, representing the Kaumātua… we mean Taumatua team, took out the MVP award for Poitarawhiti KTK! Might have needed a tokotoko by the end of the day but all for the kaupapa.
From the first karanga to the last karakia, the weekend was overflowing with aroha, wairua, and kotahitanga. 45 years of Hoani Waititi Marae and 40 years of Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hoani Waititi Marae is more than just a milestone it’s a statement that continues to inspire, uplift, and empower.
Uia mai koe whakahuatia ake ko wai te whare nei e
Ko Ngā Tūmanako, Ngā Tūmanako
Ko wai te rangatira o runga
Ko Hoani Waititi, ko Hoani Waititi
Ka tū te ihiihi
Ka tū te wehiwehi
Ka tū!
Tōku whare,
Nei ana uri e ngunguru nei
I ahaha
E ko au, tōku whare
Ko tōku whare, ko ahau
I au au aue ha. Hi!
