Te Herenga Waka Marae
Te Herenga Waka Marae is part of the University’s commitment to te reo Māori and tikanga Māori and is central for whānau on campus.
Located on our Kelburn campus, Te Herenga Waka Marae provides a tūrangawaewae (a place where Māori custom prevails) for the students and staff of the University to promote, disseminate, and maintain the use of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori.
The Marae enhances the teaching and research, learning, and cultural needs of Māori at the University. It is the venue where Toihuarewa, the forum for Māori academic issues at the University, meets to discuss issues of significance to Māori and where students can gather for academic and social occasions.
For students, it's a gathering place as well as a teaching space. Resources, support, and activities include Te Whanake Mauri Tū Computer suite, $5.00 lunches in the wharekai (Monday to Friday), and whānau housing.
Subject to availability, the marae is available for external groups to book outside of normal teaching times, as the wharenui is used as a lecture theater for most Te Kawa a Māui / School of Māori Studies classes. If you are interested in considering the marae as a venue for your next hui, email marae.bookings@vuw.ac.nz or call +64 4 463 7423.
Te Herenga Waka Marae is located at 46 Kelburn Parade, Kelburn campus.
- Download the booking form Word36.4KB to see costs.
- Read about the opening of Te Herenga Waka marae, 6 December 1986.
Whānau at the Marae

Marie Cocker
Marie Cocker
Manutaki / Director (Maori)
Marae o te Herenga Waka

Tu Temara
Tu Temara
Mata Awhinuke (Marae Operational Manager)
Marae o te Herenga Waka

Te Ao McKenzie
Te Ao McKenzie
Kaihere - Marae Assistant