The site for our proposed marae development at 1 Bayly Road, Moturoa, adjacent to Ngāmotu Beach.

You can find a recent history of this whenua in our Resources page.

Ngāmotu Marae will sit alongside Waitapu Urupā and within a few hundred metres of one of our renown pā sites – Ōtaka Pā, which was destroyed in the late 1880s.

The foreshore area includes Paritutu, Ngā Motu/the islands of Moturoa, Whareumu, Pararaki, Mataora, Mikotahi, Motu-o-Tamatea and Motumahanga, several reefs (Waikaranga, Tokutapu, Tokomapuna, Paparoa, Tai Kokako, Tarawhata), waterbodies (Hongihongi, Tumu and Waitapu streams), two beaches (Onuku Taipari, Ngā Motu) and a number of former settlements (Ōtaka, Araraki, Mataipu, Maungaroa, Papawhero, Pukewhero, Onuku Taipari, Te Poki Te Rangi, Takahere, Ruataka).

Ngāmotu Marae is a needed kāinga for our people – a cultural centre that will enhance the mana and hauora of our hapū.

Ngāmotu Marae will provide manaatitanga (hospitality), whakaruruhau (shelter); mātauranga āhurewa (cultural knowledge) and pūrākau (stories). It will be a place for whānau, hapū, iwi and communities living in, and visiting the Taranaki region.

Ngāmotu Marae will be a cultural and community hub, fostering connection for locals and visitors alike. Positioned on the New Plymouth foreshore, adjacent to Port Taranaki, at a gateway to the city, Ngāmotu Marae will capture the significance of the area, bolster cultural and tourism infrastructure, and support the reinvigoration and diversification of our local community.  Ngāmotu Marae will be the only marae in New Plymouth city.  It will be significant to Ngāti Te Whiti, for New Plymouth and for the Iwi of Taranaki.
Built to IL4 standards, the wharekai will also serve as an after-disaster facility, offering a safe and resilient space for the community in the event of a civil emergency.

Ngāti Te Whiti are working in partnership with funding partners and project supporters, consultants, and contractors, so that together we can create a state-of-the-art facility that speaks to our vision. Beyond the building phase, this marae will be a place where we can come together and continue to foster relationships across our community.

Ngāti Te Whiti are working in partnership with local and central government, so that together we can create a state-of-the-art facility that speaks to our vision. NPDC have included Ngāmotu Marae in the Long-Term Plan and support our vision. Funding applications have been made to both local and central government.

We will be able to proceed with a staged construction approach for the marae as funds are available. That is why we are now seeking funding support from foundational partners and from across the community to get underway.

Stage One of the project focuses on civil works and infrastructure. This includes laying the foundations for the wharekai and wharenui, developing car parking, and beginning landscaping. The wharekai will be largely completed and will serve as a combined wharekai/wharenui until further funds are secured for the wharenui. 

We are working closely with our design team and Quantity Surveyor to ascertain a full budget target. We are currently fundraising for the project, with approaches made to Central Government, Council, private and community organisations, grant providers, families and individuals. Any and all contributions to this project are gratefully received. Please visit our support page for further information on funding contributions.

Yes. The project will provide employment opportunities for local contractors, supporting job creation and contributing to the region’s economic growth.