Te Tihi o te Rae ki Mākōtuku
Amidst the rolling hills and rich cultural tapestry of our small town, a new chapter is being written with the development of the Raetihi Community Hub, officially named Te Tihi o te Rae ki Mākōtuku. This new hub is more than just a building; it’s a vibrant testament to the community’s heritage, aspirations, and future.
The Raetihi Community Hub is being developed through a partnership between Ruapehu District Council and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua. This collaboration was solidified with a Memorandum of Understanding in early 2020, and since then, the project has garnered significant support and input from the local community.
Set to be located at 2-4 Seddon Street, where the current police station stands, the hub will soon become a central gathering place for Raetihi’s residents. Te Korowai o Wainuiārua is in the process of reclaiming this land as part of their Treaty Settlement, offering it for the new hub as a symbol of their commitment to community development.
We have been working alongside the chosen architects, ŌRUA and Architectus, to develop preliminary designs. ŌRUA’s expertise in Māori architecture ensures that the design honors cultural values, while Architectus provides the technical knowledge necessary for successful implementation. The result is a blend of cultural authenticity and practical functionality that promises to meet the needs of Raetihi’s diverse community.
FROM LEFT:ŌRUA Design Lead Matangireia Yates-Francis, Architectus Project Principal Melanie Lahore, Executive Manager of Community & Economic Development at RDC Pauline Welch, RDC Community Relationships and Wellbeing Manager Candice McNaught, Deena Tapara from Stella Project Management, Chair of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Aiden Gilbert, Ruapehu District Mayor Weston Kirton, RDC CEO Clive Manley, General Manager of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Steve Hirini, ŌRUA Project Lead Matekitatahi Rawiri.
A Name Rich with Meaning
“Te Tihi o te Rae ‘’ is the name of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua’s Treaty Settlement and refers to a low flat hill near Ohakune that, from Raetihi, appears on the
Horizon like the brow of Ruapehu (which can be seen in the image below). In many cultures the brow symbolises intellect, wisdom, and insight. In Māoridom the brow is tattooed as part of Ta Moko, as it’s considered a connection point to one’s ancestors and spiritual lineage. Ta Moko on the brow serves as a visible reminder of this connection and the responsibilities that come with it. Naming the community hub “Te Tihi o Te Rae ki Mākōtuku” suggests that it is a place where knowledge is sought, shared, and celebrated—a beacon of learning, connection to the past, present and future and enlightenment for the community.
Meanwhile, “Mākōtuku,” has many symbols and connotations. Mākōtuku is the White Heron, a kaitiaki of Raetihi and a revered figure in Māori mythology, embodying purity, grace, and spiritual significance. Naming our project after Mākōtuku pays homage to this cultural icon and acknowledges its profound connection to our land and waterways. The Mākōtuku River flows from the great ancestor Ruapehu, carving its path through the landscape and passing through Raetihi and the doorstep of the community hub’s proposed site. This connection is profound as water symbolises life force, binding the people of Raetihi to the life force of Ruapehu. The importance of Mākōtuku to tangata whenua can also be seen through the naming of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Chief Te Pikikotuku.
Project Timeline and Updates
Memorandum of Understanding – 14 February, 2020
The Ruapehu District Council and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua formalised their partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop the Community Hub. This initiative follows community feedback from the 2018/28 Long Term Plan.
Community Engagement – 23 February, 2021
Community engagement began with the launch of an Aspirations Survey and Community Hui. Residents were invited to share their views on the Hub’s features and design.
Consultation Report – 2 December, 2021
The Phase One Consultation Report was released after COVID-19 delays, offering insights from initial community engagement.
Architects Expression of Interest Released – 26 June, 2023
A call was issued for designers and architects to contribute to the Hub’s design, marking the shift from planning to development.
Architects Selected – 12 March, 2024
ŌRUA and Architectus were selected as the design team for the Community Hub.
Name Chosen – 20 July, 2024
Following iwi consultation, the name Te Tihi o te Rae ki Mākōtuku was gifted to the hub by Te Korowai o Wainuiārua.
Community Consultation – 15 August, 2024
Two community hui were held to introduce the name and gather feedback on the project’s design, location, and funding.
