Rātana Pā will receive $10.1 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to fix failing marae buildings. The funding will be used to make structural upgrades including improvements to two of the Rangitīkei settlement's main buildings, Manuao - the iconic building at the centre of large events - and Orakeinui, the original Rātana family homestead.
Thousands of people gather at Rātana Pā, near Whanganui, in January each year to celebrate the birthday of prophet and founder of the Rātana Church, Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana. "This is an extremely important day, not just for Rātana members, but marks the beginning of the new political year, where politicians of all stripes give an accounting of their past mahi and over the year to come," Regional Development Minister Shane Jones said in a joint statement with Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka. He said the facilities have been deteriorating and repairs and maintenance have relied on volunteer resources, donations and a small income generated from annual events.
"Without the necessary upgrades, some buildings at Rātana Pā would need to be closed which could leave the community unable to host annual Rātana celebrations or Rātana Church events - events that bring visitors to the region." A further $10.2m has been granted to repair and upgrade buildings at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds in Northland.
"These are both nationally significant places, not just for Māori, but for many other Kiwis," the Minist.