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Puketawai Pa
A Vision Restored
From the Silt of Disaster Rises a New Beginning
In February 2023, Cyclone Gabrielle left Puketawai Pā buried beneath floodwaters and silt, forever changing our marae. From that devastation has emerged a shared vision for a stronger, safer, and more resilient future.
The rebuilding of Puketawai Pā represents the resilience, determination, and enduring strength of our whānau, hapū, and iwi. It is a journey of renewal, honouring our past while creating a place where future generations can gather, celebrate, and uphold our tikanga.
Nau mai, haere mai. Welcome to the Puketawai Pā Rebuild website.
This website has been created to keep whānau, descendants, and the wider community informed throughout the rebuild. Here you will find project updates, key milestones, consultation information, photos, news, and opportunities to stay connected and involved as we rebuild our pā together.
Together, we honour our past, rebuild our present, and create a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Blessing of the Rebuild Site
Prior to the commencement of earthworks for the Puketawai Pā Rebuild Project, a karakia and blessing of the new site was held, led by Padre Willie Gray and Mark Kopua.
More than 150 whānau members attended the occasion, coming together to acknowledge this significant milestone, seek blessings for the work ahead, and honour the journey towards the future home of Puketawai Pā.
This footage was captured by Irena Smith of Taioro News, whose coverage helped preserve and share this important moment in the history of Puketawai Pā.
Cyclone Gabrielle
February 2023 changed everything.
When Cyclone Gabrielle devastated Puketawai Pā, floodwaters engulfed the marae, causing extensive damage and making it clear that rebuilding on higher ground was essential. In the days that followed, an incredible number of whānau, friends, neighbours, emergency services, volunteers, and supporters came together to help clean up and begin the long recovery.
The Trustees extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and stood alongside our marae during this difficult time. Witnessing the devastation reinforced a shared commitment that no future generation should have to experience such a loss again.
United by that vision, the Trustees and whānau supported a plan to rebuild Puketawai Pā on a safer, more resilient site, protecting our marae, preserving our heritage, and ensuring it remains a place of belonging for generations to come.
Successful funding pathway
On 16 December 2024, Crown representatives advised a whānau hui that a successful funding pathway had been secured for the Puketawai Pā Rebuild Project, enabling the project to move forward.
This announcement marked a significant milestone in the journey to rebuild Puketawai Pā following the devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle. For many whānau, it was an emotional moment, bringing tears of relief and hope as the vision of rebuilding and moving forward from the damage inflicted by Mother Nature became a reality.
The rebuild will help ensure Puketawai Pā remains a place of connection, culture, identity, and belonging for future generations, while creating a safer and more resilient home for our whānau and hapū.
Rebuild Project Consultation
A wide range of consultation has been undertaken throughout the rebuild project to ensure whānau have opportunities to be informed, provide feedback, and contribute to decision-making.
Regular project updates have been provided at whānau hui, alongside online engagement through Facebook Live and Microsoft Teams meetings, enabling whānau both locally and away from home to participate and share their views.
To support wider participation, online survey feedback was used to identify key locations for engagement, resulting in dedicated wānanga and consultation hui being held in Auckland, Rotorua, and Wellington. These hui provided additional opportunities for whānau living outside the rohe to contribute their whakaaro and help shape the rebuild project.
We encourage all whānau to stay connected and involved by following our Facebook page, where information on upcoming hui, project updates, and opportunities for feedback will continue to be shared as the rebuild progresses.
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