07 May 2025
Nestled on the Taranaki coastline in Aotearoa New Zealand’s North Island, Urenui Pā holds deep cultural and historical importance for its people. Situated on State Highway 3, just 16 kilometres north of Waitara, Urenui Pā is home for Ngāti Mutunga, a Taranaki iwi with strong ancestral connections across the region.
Urenui Pā has been the central hub for Ngāti Mutunga since the early 1870s. The marae is home to two whare – Mahi Tamariki and Te Aroha – and a wharekai named Te Titohea. It remains a vital centre for cultural and communal life, embodying the iwi’s deep connections to place, whakapapa and identity.
We are proud to support a series of meaningful projects at this marae, working in partnership with the local community to revitalise and develop key facilities. Current projects include upgrades and the contruction of a new mahau for Te Titohea, a new Wharepaku for visiting manuhiri, and a new Waharoa to the Ātea
Mahi Tamariki – History for the Future
Mahi Tamariki is a historic raupō whare. having stood strong for over 150 years, Mahi Tamariki is in need of some repair and maintenance. With Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga's support and knowledge, the original earthern floor will be reinstated and the raupō replaced - allowing the whare to stand well into its next century.
Te Aroha – A Healthy New Home
Te Aroha and its supporting ablutions block are being rebuilt, connected and reimagined. Together, this whare will provide a warm, dry and uplifting space for whānau to connect with their Ngāti Mutungatanga, their Maunga, and their whakapapa. Te Aroha, kept company by Mahi Tamariki on one side and the Maunga on the other, looks over the Ātea and moana beyond.
Te Waharoa – A Gateway That Reflects Identity
As both a physical and symbolic entrance, Te Waharoa will serve as a welcoming threshold to the marae. Designed to reflect Te Aroha’s new mahau, the gateway will reflect the wairua and mana of Urenui Pā, celebrating its identity and cultural depth.
Te Titohea – Honouring Whakapapa and Function
Te Titohea, the marae’s dining hall, is being enhanced to support its central role as a place of gathering and nourishment. Our approach supports the practical needs of the marae while maintaining sensitivity to its cultural context and design traditions.
Wharepaku – Supporting Everyday Needs with Care
A new Wharepaku is being designed to meet the day-to-day needs of the community. The focus is on creating an accessible, sustainable, and well-integrated facility that reflects the values of manaakitanga and care for people and place.
At Studio Pacific, we value the opportunity to work alongside Urenui Pā Trust and the wider project team on this important kaupapa.
The project's vision is encapsulated in the whakataukī: "Kia ū ki te Marae, mā te Marae ka kīa koe he Tangata" – "Hold fast to the Marae, for it is the Marae that makes you stand tall and be somebody." This reflects the community's commitment to preserving their heritage while adapting to future needs.
These projects are the result of genuine collaboration with whānau of Ngāti Mutunga, Māpuna Consultants, Tihei as our co-design partner; Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga; Egmont Dixon as Project Managers; ETCH Architecture as collaborators; BCD Group providing structural and civil engineering; Bluemarble leading landscape design; and Profound Group as the contractor.
Together, we are contributing to spaces that support connection, cultural expression, and the wellbeing of the community. This shared mahi reflects the potential of thoughtful design to uphold cultural identity and strengthen the relationship between people and place.
Urenui Pā is the sole remaining marae of Ngāti Mutunga and has been the central hub for iwi activities since the early 1870s.
We are proud to support a series of meaningful projects at this marae, working in partnership with the local community to revitalise and develop key facilities.