Welcome to Manutūkē Marae
E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha, tēnā koutou. Nau mai, haere mai ki te kāinga ipurangi o Manutūkē Marae. Discover our history, explore our facilities, and connect with our community. We invite you to explore our digital home and learn more about our whakapapa and kaupapa.
Our Marae
Manutūkē Marae is a cornerstone of our community in Gisborne, New Zealand. We offer a place for gatherings, celebrations, and remembrance. Explore our facilities and learn how we serve our people.
Te Poho o Rukupō
In the quiet strength of Manutūkē, where Te Arai winds through the whenua, the name of the rangatira Rukupō endures — master carver, guardian, and visionary of Rongowhakaata. When the people sought a whare to hold their stories, their grief, their triumphs, and their whakapapa, they shaped a house that was not only built, but breathed.
From the forests came the trees, from the hands of tohunga came the carvings, and from the people came the heartbeat. When the whare rose, it rose as a body — its maihi like open arms, its poutokomanawa like the spine of a warrior, its whakairo speaking the language of ancestors. At its centre was the poho, the chest of Rukupō, giving the whare its name: Te Poho o Rukupō.
Today the whare stands as a living ancestor. It shelters generations, welcomes returning footsteps, and binds the people to their whenua and to each other. As long as voices rise on its ātea, the heartbeat of Rukupō continues.
Te Poho o Hinehou
In the heart of Manutūkē lives the memory of Hinehou, a wāhine whose quiet strength held her people together. Her wisdom, calm leadership, and deep aroha shaped generations, guiding whānau through times of challenge and times of abundance.
To honour her, a whare was raised — not just built, but breathed into life. Its maihi open like her welcoming arms, its poutokomanawa stands firm like her steady heart, and its whakairo speak of the strength of wāhine Māori. At its centre rests the poho, the chest of Hinehou, carrying her warmth into every generation.
Today, Te Poho o Hinehou stands as a living ancestor — a place of comfort, learning, and connection. As long as whānau gather beneath its roof, the heartbeat of Hinehou continues to guide her people.
On the return of soldiers from the Second World War, the wharekai was renamed from Te Poho o Hinehou to 'Maori Battalion', as a sign of respect to those who had served. The marae connects ancestrally to the waka Horouta and Takitimu, the maunga Manawaru, and the awa Te Arai.
Te Poho o Epeha
In 1913 Otene Pitau, the whangai child of Rukupo, initiated the relocation here from nearby Umukapua of Te Poho o Epeha, the wharenui of Ngāti Aweawe.
In Manutūkē, the name Epeha is remembered for strength, clarity, and steadfast leadership. He was a man who held the centre, guiding his people with purpose and calm resolve.
To honour him, a whare was raised — not just built, but brought to life through whakapapa and aroha. Its maihi open like his welcoming arms, its poutokomanawa stands firm like his unwavering heart, and its whakairo carry the stories of his deeds and lineage. At its centre rests the poho, the chest of Epeha, holding his mauri for future generations.
Today, Te Poho o Epeha stands as a living ancestor — a place of unity, grounding, and guidance. As long as whānau gather beneath its roof, the heartbeat of Epeha continues to steady his people.
About us
Manutūkē Marae is a vital part of the Gisborne community, steeped in history and tradition. We are committed to preserving our whakapapa and serving our people with aroha and respect. Learn more about our story and kaupapa.
Pānui & events
Stay up-to-date with the latest pānui (notices) and events happening at Manutūkē Marae. We regularly host gatherings, workshops, and celebrations for our community.
"Manutūkē Marae is the heart of our community. It's a place where we can come together to celebrate, learn, and support each other."
Mere Katene
"The marae has been a constant source of strength and guidance for my family. We are grateful for the aroha and support we receive here."
Hemi Ruka
"I always feel a sense of belonging when I'm at Manutūkē Marae. It's a place where I can connect with my culture and my whānau."
Aroha Williams
Contact us
Location
Manutūkē Marae
73A Whakatō Road
Manutūkē 4072
Gisborne