Frequently asked questions

General Information

  • Te Keeti Paa, located in Otorohanga, serves as the tuurangawaewae (standing place) of Ngaati Parewaeono, a hapuu of Ngaati Maniapoto. The land was set aside as a marae reservation in 1937 by kuia Ngaamihi Te Amohia Te Huia, Ngahina Ani Te Huia, Kopa Te Huia, and Tiaraukura Te Huia. The paa stands as a testament to the vision and sacrifices of these tuupuna and their descendants, ensuring a cultural and spiritual home for future generations.

  • Te Keeti Paa is primarily affiliated with Ngaati Parewaeono, a hapuu of Ngaati Maniapoto. The marae also has connections with Ngaati Hinewai, Ngaati Urunumia, Ngaati Rungaterangi, Ngaati Manga, and other related hapuu.

  • Te Keeti Paa is situated at 92 Phillips Avenue, Otorohanga, in the Maniapoto rohe.

  • Te Keeti Paa includes:

    • The wharenui (meeting house), Parewaeono

    • The wharekai (dining hall)

    • Kaauta (cooking area)

    • Wharepaku (bathrooms and showers)

    • Outdoor gathering spaces and a hangi pit

    • On-site accommodation for guests

  • The marae is open to whaanau, iwi & hapuu members, community groups, schools, businesses, and organisations looking to engage with the cultural and communal values of Te Keeti.

Booking & Accommodation

  • To make a booking, please complete the online booking form available on this website. We will follow up via email with details specific to your enquiry.

    For further inquiries, feel free to email us at tekeetimaraebookings@gmail.com

  • Yes, sleeping arrangements are available within the wharenui. All guests and manuwhiri are required to bring their own bedding.

    • Alcohol is permitted only in designated areas:

      Kaauta

      Dining Room

      Shed adjacent to the Kaauta

    • Times for alcohol to be consumed (6:00 PM - 2:00 AM) with committee approval.

    • All rubbish and food scraps must be removed by the hirer.

    • Marae property must not be removed from the premises.

    • The hirer is responsible for thorough cleaning before departure.

  • Te Keeti Paa includes:

    • The wharenui (meeting house), Parewaeono

    • The wharekai (dining hall), Te Keeti

    • Kaauta (cooking area)

    • Wharepaku (bathrooms and showers)

    • Outdoor gathering shelter

  • Hire costs can be requested through making a booking enquiry through this website. We will follow up with an estimated hire quote based on your enquiry.

    Link to Booking Page

Protocols & Tikanga Maaori

  • Visitors are welcomed following traditional poowhiri procedures, which may include karanga (calls), whaikoorero (speeches), and hongi (greetings). It is advisable to liaise with the marae for specific arrangements.

  • Koha is not required, however when given, it is humbly received.

    Note: Koha is not only seen as a monetary form, it can also be received through kai, manaakitanga & giving back through acts of service —helping with renovations or attending working bees.

Events & Community

  • The marae hosts tangihanga (funerals), hura koowhatu (unveilings), waananga (learning sessions), hui (meetings), weddings, reunions, birthday celebrations and community gatherings.

  • Yes, the marae is available for private functions. Please contact the marae committee for arrangements.

    Note: Tangihanga will take priority over all other functions. In the event of a tangihanga, other events will be postponed or will need to arrange other venue.

  • Whaanau can participate by attending hui, volunteering for maintenance, supporting fundraising efforts, or joining subcommittees.

Contact & Support

  • Support can be provided through financial donations, assisting with working bees, participating in fundraising events, or contributing skills and services.

    The marae operates with the support of its beneficiaries and welcomes financial contributions or active participation in governance and upkeep.

  • The Hundy Club is a fun and supportive fundraising initiative open to all Ngaati Parewaeono hapuu members, whaanau and supporters of Te Keeti Paa. 

    Rules:

    • 100 members join the club at a cost of $20 per month

    • This membership will generate $2000.

    • The money is split 50/50 with the marae retaining $1,000 and six members sharing the payout of 1x $500 and 5x $100, according to the draw results.

    The Hundy Club not only provides financial support for the marae but also strengthens ties between Te Keeti and Ngaati Parewaeono hapuu members, and also fosters participation, kotahitanga and manaakitanga.

    Link for more Hundy Club information

  • The marae continues to undergo maintenance and improvements.

    Updates on projects will be shared via hui, our Marae Facebook page, and whaanau communications.

    Link to Facebook