Tapu Te Ranga Marae is a living Marae - it is the home of Bruce Stewart and his family and is shared with peoples of all races all creeds. He bought the Whenua to set it free from private ownership. Tikanga (principles) of Kaitiaki (caretaker protector nurturer) govern the Marae.
Starting in 1974, Bruce worked alongside unemployed Maori youth- some were ‘sleeping out’ all without skills. They salvaged native timbers usually ‘balled’ and ‘crunched’, restored and shaped by their hands -‘they who build the house are built by the house.’ (Maori proverb)
For over three decades they persevered. It is back from the brink of extinction stuff.
Now it is a strong social, artistic, cultural and environmental statement. Living Maori in today’s world. “We could not have done it without the support of many good people in the community special mention of Sir Michael Fowler.” says Bruce.
Testament of Maori youth-making the impossible come true -
their Turangawaewae (standing place) - without it they have no place to stand. They did what all poor people do; use everyone’s rubbish.
The Worlds largest and tallest fully wooden house built of recycled materials - fully wooden is of wooden structure on wooden piles. Ten levels - 27,000 square feet - 131 foot high.
Thousands visit the Marae from all corners of the earth. |
