Tangihanga is one of the core purposes for which Te Aitarakihi was established. It serves as a place of solace and remembrance for whānau mourning the loss of loved ones, providing a safe and sacred environment rooted in kaupapa Māori. Tangihanga at Te Aitarakihi follows tikanga Māori practices, ensuring ceremonies are conducted with cultural integrity and respect.

As a kaupapa Māori venue, Te Aitarakihi supports a wide variety of activities, ranging from its own programs to weekly users and ad hoc bookings. All users are expected to honor kawa (protocols) and tikanga Māori while utilizing the space. The marae also hosts noho marae (overnight stays) for groups such as wānanga, educational providers, and sports teams. Visitors often bring their own kaupapa (programs) to enrich the community, including Rongoā (traditional Māori medicine), Patu/Mere workshops (short club-type weapons), and Maramataka (Māori lunar calendar teachings).

Weekly Te Reo Māori classes are offered in partnership with Ara/Te Pūkenga (NZ Institute of Skills and Technology). These 34-week courses, which run up to Level 3, provide invaluable opportunities for language revitalization, cultural preservation, and connection with like-minded individuals passionate about the Māori language.

Our kapa haka group gathers weekly to learn and practice tikanga, waiata, and haka, fostering cultural pride, camaraderie, and participation. With a strong membership of approximately 60 whānau, the group regularly performs at community events, celebrations, and competitions, keeping the spirit of Māori performing arts alive and thriving.

Our māra kai (vegetable garden) is a community initiative aimed at nurturing both the land and the people. Managed largely by volunteers, the garden produces fresh kai to support whānau. This initiative has also inspired a weekly soup provision group that shares meals at Caroline Bay every Friday evening, embodying the spirit of manaakitanga (hospitality).

The self-funded Ki Te Whai Ao cultural competency program is open to the entire community. Launched in late 2020, it has grown to offer at least three programs annually. Participants, including organizations such as Te Whatu Ora, schools, nonprofits, and private businesses, benefit from this transformative initiative designed to deepen cultural understanding and foster meaningful connections.

Te Aitarakihi is proud to host a variety of events that bring the community together, including annual Night Markets, Matariki celebrations, Waitangi Day commemorations, and Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori (Māori Language Week) activities. These events attract large crowds and celebrate the richness of Māori culture, creating opportunities for connection and shared experiences.