Our Marae, Our People

​ Hukanui aa Muri Paa once known as Hukanui. The land of which Hukanui aa Muri Paa is sited is 10 acres within the 200 acres that was purchased and owned by Kiingi Mahuta and his wife Te Marae. However, the connection and whakapapa to the land goes back as far the 1500's. A papakaainga was established for over 100 followers of Mahuta and whaanau. After Kiingi Mahuta's death his tuupaapaku was placed in the Tomb within the 10 acres set aside for a Paa. This Tomb was built during the time Mahuta laid in state. This Tomb still stands today. The land eventually was passed down to Te Mata o Tu Tonga (Tonga) Kiingi Mahuta's 4th son. 1991 Tumate Mahuta the eldest son of Tonga's 75th Birthday held at his whare, in his speech he turned to the whaanau and said (me hanga he Marae maa te whaanau Totorewa hei tuurangawaewae maa taatou) Build a Marae for the whaanau Totorewa as a foot tool for us all. Hapuu Ngaati Mahuta, Ngaati Naho 20th July 2023 The Wharekai was opened by Whatumoana Kiingi Tuheitia's eldest son. To date we have Te Para Totorewa the wharekai, Manuhiri the whare karakia and Aawhina a small wharemoe.

Kaitumutumu marae is located on a hectare of land in Huntly. The principal hapū that affiliate with this marae include Ngāti Whaawhaakia as well as Ngāti Kuiaarangi, Ngāti Mahuta and Ngāti Tai. The wharenui is named Ruateatea, the wharekai is Whaawhaakia and the kitchen complex (or kauta) is named Nga Mangamanga. The marae ancestrally links to the Tainui waka, the maunga Taupiri and the awa Waikato. Speaking protocols on Kaitumutumu marae are guided by the kawa of tauutuutu. The name ‘Kaitumutumu’ refers to the cows in the area constantly chewing their cud.

Taupiri marae is located just under Taupiri mountain, 9 km to the south of Huntly and just north of Hopuhopu. The primary hapū for this marae include Ngāti Kuiaarangi, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Tai and Ngāti Whaawhaakia. The wharenui is named Pani Ora. The marae connects to the Tainui waka, the maunga Taupiri and the awa Waikato.

Te Kauri marae is located 5 km west of Huntly township, across the river. The hapū that affiliate with Te Kauri marae are Ngāti Kuiaarangi, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Tai, Ngāti Whaawhaakia and Te Ngaungau. The wharenui is named Karaka. The marae connects ancestrally to the Tainui waka, the maunga Taupiri and the awa Waikato.

Waahi marae is located on the banks of the Waikato River, adjacent to the Huntly Power Station. Its principal hapū are Ngāti Kuiaarangi, Ngāti Mahuta, Ngāti Tai and Ngāti Whaawhaakia. The wharenui is named Tāne i te Pupuke. Waahi marae connects to the Tainui waka, the maunga Taupiri and the awa Waikato.