Mataatua: The House That Came Home
Bay of Plenty
Mataatua: The House That Came Home is a significant Māori meeting house (wharenui) located in Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand. It serves as the living heart of the Ngāti Awa iwi and represents a powerful symbol of resilience, identity, and cultural revival. This masterfully carved wharenui was lost to its people for over a century before being returned to its rightful place, where it now stands as a testament to ancestral knowledge and heritage. The house embodies the whakapapa (genealogy) of the Ngāti Awa people, connecting visitors to their ancestors and the spiritual essence of the land (whenua). The site hosts educational programs for schools, fostering knowledge and belonging grounded in Ngāti Awatanga, and offers cultural facilitation and venue hire for meetings and events shaped by tikanga (customs). The values upheld here include manaakitanga (welcoming spirit), kaitiakitanga (sacred guardianship), mātauranga (ancestral knowledge), whakapapa (living legacy), and whanaungatanga (enduring connection). Visitors are invited to reconnect with the stories and spirit within the walls of Mataatua Wharenui, experiencing a unique cultural journey that honors Māori traditions and the enduring legacy of the Mataatua canoe crew who first settled the region.
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Tip: Visitors are encouraged to book educational programs or cultural experiences in advance to ensure availability. The best time to visit is during scheduled school visits or cultural events to fully engage with the living traditions of Ngāti Awa. Discounts or special arrangements may be available for group bookings or educational institutions. It is advisable to contact the venue beforehand for guided tours or participation in wānanga (learning sessions). Respect for tikanga and the sacred nature of the wharenui is essential during visits.
Zajímavosti
- •Mataatua was one of the great voyaging canoes that brought Polynesian ancestors to New Zealand, carrying kūmara seeds vital for settlement.
- •The name Whakatāne derives from an event when a woman tied down the Mataatua canoe to prevent it from being swept away, declaring 'let me make a man of myself'.
- •The wharenui was lost to Ngāti Awa for over a century before being returned home as a symbol of cultural revival.
- •The Mataatua canoe's crew included both men and women, with notable ancestors of several iwi among them.
- •Toroa, the eldest son of chief Irakewa, was the captain of the Mataatua canoe.
Historie
The Mataatua canoe was one of the great Polynesian voyaging canoes that brought Māori ancestors to New Zealand, with its crew settling around the Bay of Plenty region.
The Mataatua Wharenui was originally built as a symbol of identity for the Ngāti Awa people but was lost to them for over a century.
Its return to Whakatāne marked a significant cultural revival and reconnection with ancestral heritage.
The wharenui now stands as a restored meeting house embodying the legacy of the Mataatua crew and their descendants, serving as a cultural and educational hub for the community.
Průvodce po místě
Mataatua Wharenui (Meeting House)
The central carved meeting house, embodying the ancestral stories, genealogy, and spiritual essence of Ngāti Awa. It is a living symbol of cultural identity and resilience, featuring intricate carvings and traditional Māori design.
Educational Programs
Scheduled visits for schools and groups focusing on Ngāti Awatanga knowledge, identity, and belonging. These programs nurture understanding of Māori culture and history through immersive learning experiences.
Cultural Venue and Conference Facilities
Spaces available for hui, retreats, and kaupapa launches shaped by tikanga and purpose. Offers cultural facilitation and optional catering to iwi, government, and corporate groups.
Kontakt
Telefon: 07 307 0760