Marae

Whare Tupuna (Meeting House)
Poroa was a well-known chief of Te Rarawa. The name of our Whare Tupuna: 'Te Ohaki' refers to the covenant left by Poroa at his passing: 'Kia u ki te whakapono, kia aroha tetahi ki tetahi'. Hold strong to your beliefs and love one another.

Photos of our beloved ancestors within the Whare Tupuna are a constant reminder of this whakatauki.

Whare Kai (Eating House)
The name 'Maru-a-Roto' means storehouse of plenty.
Facilities within our kitchen/dining room are recently renovated and modern. All kitchen equipment is supplied.

He Puna - Pounamu (Greenstone)
He Puna is dedicated to the late Ephraim Te Paa, who was widely acknowledged as a spiritual of Te Rarawa and Maoridom in general. He traveled extensively both locally and abroad and was well known for his work as a member of the Bahai faith. He Puna is one of the largest pieces of greenstone in the Far North. Simply translated, the name 'He Puna' means spring of overflowing or everlasting.

Since its placement within the marae grounds in 1998 He Puna is constantly viewed by both Maori and Pakeha. Some refer to its healing properties; others are overawed by its presence. It has always been a source of wonder and interest to those who visit Roma Marae and a symbol of strength to our local community.

Te Oneroa a Tohe (Ninety Mile Beach)
Located 2kms from the Marae is Te Oneroa a Tohe; viewed as spiritually significant within Maoridom as 'the pathway of the spirits'.

The people of Te Rarawa maintain a strong relationship with the ocean and Te Oneroa a Tohe, which supplies an abundance of seafood (paua, kina, tuatua, toheroa, mussels). The beach is still vital in maintaining a way of life for many people today.

Various activities are enjoyed by those who visit the area. Horse treks, fishing charters and quad bike tours are among some of the activities on offer through local tour operators. Te Oneroa a Tohe in particular is well known nationally and internationally for fishing and surfing events.

Pouwhenua
On 7 February 2004, a pouwhenua was unveiled on Te Oneroa a Tohe dedicated to our Tupuna, Poroa. This pou signifies Te Rarawa's ongoing traditional relationship with the beach and the ocean as guardians of the spiritual pathways handed down by our ancestors for the benefit of all peoples.

The weekend featured a symbolic 'holding of hands across the beach', an historic event for Te Rarawa where an estimated 2,000 people participated in support of this kaupapa.

Activities: A wide range of activities may be experienced by visitors to Roma Marae:

Powhiri: Your visit begins with the traditional powhiri where you will be welcomed onto the Marae for the first time. This includes the karanga (calling on), mihimihi (welcoming speeches) and waiata (songs).

Hangi: Prepared in the traditional way, the hangi meal also includes available delicacies such as seafood and locally grown produce.

Raranga (weaving): Korero and History:
Local Kaumatua (elders) share stories & legends of Te Rarawa and more recent history of our area. We invite you to share your stories with us also.

A Night of Healing and Spirituality: Over the past 3 years Roma Marae has hosted and facilitated a number of spiritual and healing wananga, attracting a wide range of speakers and practitioners from all over New Zealand.

We continue this kaupapa by offering our manuhiri a night of healing and participation with local and traditional practitioners and therapists. Experience mirimiri, acupuncture, wairua healing, crystal healing, meditations and readings, all on the marae.

Fishing and Shellfish gathering: Line fishing, boat fishing, netting, floundering, even smoke your own catch are some of the local experiences you can enjoy. These entities provide equipment; or bring your own gear.

Pig Hunting: With local hunters, if you can keep up!

Scenic expeditions: Expeditions that were once a part of the wild West Coast, via the Gumfields and Tauroa are no longer available. In 2018 Te Runanga o te Rarawa and Department of Conservation joined forces to erect fencing around the coast line to protect degradation and erosion to the sand dunes and coastal environment caused by 4x4 vehicles and bikes. This area is rich in history and includes several sites of cultural and archaeological significance and the fences are part of a joint effort to ensure their preservation. There are walktracks across private land (upon request) that will take you to the out-stretched panoramic sand dunes, where you can see the breath-taking views of the wild west coast and enjoy the sea air and freedom of the outdoors, but be warned, this expedition is not for the faint-hearted! The track can be treacherous in the wet season and suitable footwear and clothing is advisable. The walk through the track over the Gumfields to the dunes is about one and a half hours from Shipwreck Bay turn-off and if you want to make a day of it, you can follow the coastline around to Tauroa and back to Ahipara (about a 5 - 6 hour walk)

Pricings: Hireage of marae & facilities: $300.00 per day.
- Meals are extra and provided on request
- We can quote a package deal for your group including accommodation, meals and activities
- Roma Marae can also cater for your conference, celebration or hui.

For bookings or further information

Contact: Pare Nathan
Phone: 021 150 9900
Email: pare.nathan@xtra.co.nz

ROMA MARAE IS AUAHI KORE - SMOKE FREE.
NAU MAI, HAERE MAI!