Te Herenga Waka Marae is a fully operational pan-iwi, university-based marae where tikanga Māori prevails, and Māori values find fullest expression. Our marae is a place of learning where Māori students and staff can immerse themselves within their culture, and where the broader University community can 'moor their waka' (connect) and find a sense of belonging.

Marae features include the marae ātea, Te Tumu Herenga Waka (the whare whakairo), Ngā Mokopuna (formerly known as the Living Pā), Te Apa Māreikura a Māui Tikitiki a Taranga (the waharoa), and Poukairangi (the pou haki).

Since its opening on 3 March 1980 (originally at 36 Kelburn Parade), the primary kaupapa of Te Herenga Waka Marae has been education and connection. Indeed, the marae was created and built to serve as a haven for the Māori students and staff who often arrived from afar. The needs of this community are both educational and cultural, and are ongoing.

The Māori cultural needs and interests of the wider university community, consisting of over 20,000 people today, are also provided by the marae. This involves the marae receiving visitors from the University's faculties and central service units, other institutions and organisations, community groups, and international delegations.