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 utilising 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).

As part of their delivery to our community, Te Aitarakihi runs regular Cultural Competency wānanga either as part of their schedule or on demand.   Please check out our upcoming events or contact us to find out more.

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.

Check our upcoming events page to see what is coming up.

The Māra Kai at Te Aitarakihi started as a collaboration between Te Aitarakihi and Alliance Smithfield in 2020.  Since then the māra capability and output has grown and is known as a place that grows kai, helping to feed our hapori (community) with a commitment to honouring the whenua and fostering connections with nature.  The māra is lead by Te Aitarakihi and is their pool of dedicated volunteers.  To find out more, click here

Kapa Haka meets every Monday evening during school term time. To find out more, click here

Rangatahi (youth) Programmes – Kahui Rangatahi (funded by Health NZ).  Empowering our youth through targeted initiatives aimed at personal and professional development. To find out more, email us at kiaora@teaitarakihi.co.nz or call 027 684 7906

Te Kahui Tai Tamariki programme is a Te Ao Māori education in primary schools – currently at an introductory level and soon to introduce more levels.

Te Aitarakihi is grateful to have a number of volunteers who give their time at our māra kai, events, general tasks at Te Aitarakihi etc. If you would like to volunteer with us, please fill out our membership form and our volunteer coordinator will be in touch or get in touch with us at kiaora@teaitarakihi.co.nz or 027 684 7906.

Membership form

Arowhenua Whānau Services (on site clinic). Please visit or call to find out more: https://aws.health.nz/ 03 615 5180 or 0800 615 5180