Waikawa Marae

Waikawa Marae is nestled in picturesque surroundings in Waikawa Bay, Picton, at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound in New Zealand. The Marae is a meeting place for Te Atiawa people from the top of the South Island of New Zealand. Waikawa Marae is one of the principal marae for Te Atiawa, who are the tangata whenua or the local indigenous people of the area.

The marae is central to the functions of many tangata whenua and community groups in Marlborough and the surrounding area. It is regularly used by the local College as a venue for cultural training for staff and students; many health organisations use the facilities on a regular basis for such things as mirimiri and as a venue from which to promote Maori and other health initiatives. Waikawa Marae is the designated Civil Defence Centre for Picton and was used to support people ‘escaping’ from the Christchurch earthquake. The marae has a wonderful cultural group that performs Maori songs and dances for tourists, cruise ship visits and other occasions by appointment.