AIA Marae DIY presents Rongomaraeroa Marae renovation: screening on TV3 Saturday 18 July, 2015

They say it’s the people who make a place special, and that could not be truer for those close to Rongomaraeroa-o-nga-hau e wha Marae. With the marae’s recent renovation, the Waiouru community experienced this more than ever as hapu from around the country returned home in full force to devote their time and lend a hand.

Since its inception in 2004 AIA Marae DIY has become a touchstone that connects iwi, hapu, whanau and communities around New Zealand as they take on the ambitious task of major building and repair work in just four days. As part of the 2015 series, which kicked off on TV3 on 4 July, the New Zealand Army Marae received help in the makeover of its wharekai and the creation of a reflection garden.

Unique in its set up, the Rongomaraeroa-o-nga-hau e wha Marae is both the national Army marae and a local community marae that fosters a sense of national pride within the defence force.

With whanau, hapu and ex-military personnel returning from all over New Zealand to pitch in, the renovation was perhaps one of the best things Waiouru Military Training Facility Commandant Major Patrick Hibbs has ever been a part of, he says.

“A number of our young engineers helped out with several marae renovations in last year’s AIA Marae DIY series, so it’s neat to feel as though we have a small bit of a history with this wonderful, wholly Kiwi initiative.

“A lot of work was done as part of this renovation; our wharekai had a complete makeover. Floor-to-ceiling windows were installed, extended decking was built around the exterior and a much-needed and already well-used storage area was properly established. We also constructed an extension between our wharenui and wharekai, three carports at the rear of the marae and our Garden of Reflection.

“On the Saturday, 140 of our newest recruits turned up en masse to help out. Seeing so many members of the local community, the school and the recruits take part was such an incredible experience and a true testament to our culture. Looking at the faces of those who took part really demonstrated the multi-cultural aspect of our marae and I was both proud and humbled to be able to call myself a Kiwi and member of Ngati Tumatauenga.”

The team from AIA Marae DIY producer Screentime includes many who have led previous marae renovations, including presenters Te Ori Paki and Ria Hall, landscaper David Clayton-Greene and builder Harry Anneff.

Staff from AIA New Zealand – a long-term partner of the show and primary sponsor of AIA Marae DIY since 2011 – were also on-site to lend a hand at Rongomaraeroa-o-nga-hau e wha Marae. Over the years, more than 80 staff and their families have worked with the crew and local communities on marae renovations across the country.

AIA New Zealand CEO Natalie Cameron describes AIA Marae DIY as “a unique New Zealand initiative which is making a lasting contribution to communities.” As to the impact on staff, Cameron says, “Working on AIA Marae DIY is an experience our staff never forget. It’s inspiring and a privilege to be part of.”

They say it’s the people who make a place special, and that could not be truer for those close to Rongomaraeroa-o-nga-hau e wha Marae. With the marae’s recent renovation, the Waiouru community experienced this more than ever as hapu from around the country returned home in full force to devote their time and lend a hand.

Since its inception in 2004 AIA Marae DIY has become a touchstone that connects iwi, hapu, whanau and communities around New Zealand as they take on the ambitious task of major building and repair work in just four days. As part of the 2015 series, which kicked off on TV3 on 4 July, the New Zealand Army Marae received help in the makeover of its wharekai and the creation of a reflection garden.

Unique in its set up, the Rongomaraeroa-o-nga-hau e wha Marae is both the national Army marae and a local community marae that fosters a sense of national pride within the defence force.

With whanau, hapu and ex-military personnel returning from all over New Zealand to pitch in, the renovation was perhaps one of the best things Waiouru Military Training Facility Commandant Major Patrick Hibbs has ever been a part of, he says.

“A number of our young engineers helped out with several marae renovations in last year’s AIA Marae DIY series, so it’s neat to feel as though we have a small bit of a history with this wonderful, wholly Kiwi initiative.

“A lot of work was done as part of this renovation; our wharekai had a complete makeover. Floor-to-ceiling windows were installed, extended decking was built around the exterior and a much-needed and already well-used storage area was properly established. We also constructed an extension between our wharenui and wharekai, three carports at the rear of the marae and our Garden of Reflection.

“On the Saturday, 140 of our newest recruits turned up en masse to help out. Seeing so many members of the local community, the school and the recruits take part was such an incredible experience and a true testament to our culture. Looking at the faces of those who took part really demonstrated the multi-cultural aspect of our marae and I was both proud and humbled to be able to call myself a Kiwi and member of Ngati Tumatauenga.”

The team from AIA Marae DIY producer Screentime includes many who have led previous marae renovations, including presenters Te Ori Paki and Ria Hall, landscaper David Clayton-Greene and builder Harry Anneff.

Staff from AIA New Zealand – a long-term partner of the show and primary sponsor of AIA Marae DIY since 2011 – were also on-site to lend a hand at Rongomaraeroa-o-nga-hau e wha Marae. Over the years, more than 80 staff and their families have worked with the crew and local communities on marae renovations across the country.

AIA New Zealand CEO Natalie Cameron describes AIA Marae DIY as “a unique New Zealand initiative which is making a lasting contribution to communities.” As to the impact on staff, Cameron says, “Working on AIA Marae DIY is an experience our staff never forget. It’s inspiring and a privilege to be part of.”