Rongomaraeroa – the heart of Te Papa
Rongomaraeroa is the heart of Museum life – a place to welcome, celebrate, and hold ceremonies. It is also a living exhibition, showcasing contemporary Māori art and design.
Te Marae o Te Papa Tongarewa: RongomaraeroaThe Marae of Te Papa Tongarewa: Rongomaraeroa
Rongomaraeroa is a unique marae within Aotearoa New Zealand. Like all marae, it is founded on Māori principles of kawa and tikanga and was created for our unique museum context.
Rongomaraeroa is a contemporary marae that acknowledges the whakapapa and the taonga of all peoples who call Aotearoa New Zealand home.
The connected elements of Rongomaraeroa
Our marae comprises various elements stretching outside and into the heart of the museum – the marae ātea (open spaces), the wharenui (large meeting houses), and the three pathways that provide access to Rongomaraeroa.
Te Hono ki Hawaiki: the contemporary wharenui at Te Papa
The wharenui (main meeting house) on our marae, Te Hono ki Hawaiki, represents the human form with elements of the house being likened to the head, arms, legs, ribs, and spine and uses contemporary design in wharenui building customs.
What happens on the marae at Te Papa
All people have a right to connect to this marae (gathering place) through a shared understanding of whakapapa (ancestry) and the mana (prestige ) of the taonga (treasures) held at Te Papa.
Guide to Rongomaraeroa in New Zealand Sign Language
Learn about Te Papa’s marae – a place for welcomes, ceremonies, and performances.
The pounamu (greenstone) on Rongomaraeroa – self-guided education visit
Rub the pounamu boulder on the marae on a self-guided visit to Te Papa. Learn about its origins and meaning.
Rongomaraeroa
An authentic and inclusive marae (communal meeting place) for the 21st century.
On now
Permanent exhibition
Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Rongomaraeroa kōrero: Dr Sandy Adsett
Dr Sandy Adsett is one of the most influential Māori artists and teachers of his generation. He spoke at Te Papa on Saturday 30 October, 2021, at the invitation of Te Papa and Pātaka Art+Museum.
Reflections on Rongomaraeroa, Te Papa’s marae from Arapata Hakiwai
Te Papa Kaihautū | Māori Co-leader Dr Arapata Hakiwai shares some of his memories and reflections about the main designer of the marae and wharenui within, Cliff Whiting, the opening blessing, and memorable events on Rongomaraeroa.
Rongomaraeroa – self-guided education visit
Visit our contemporary marae (communal meeting place) on a self-guided visit to Te Papa. Explore the traditional and modern stories told through its design.
