Dannevirke: Labour of love at marae

Working on craft projects during April's makeover at Makirikiri Marae.

They say it's the people who make a place special and that could not be truer for those close to Dannevirke's Makirikiri Marae.

With the beloved marae's recent renovation, the Dannevirke community experienced this more than ever, as hapu from around the country returned home to devote their time and lend a hand.

Since its inception in 2004, AIA Marae DIY has become a show which connects iwi, hapu, whanau and communities around New Zealand as they take on the ambitious task of major building and repair work in just four days.

The team of volunteers who worked on the makeover of Dannevirke's Makirikiri Marae earlier in the year, which was filmed for Marae DIY, which screens this Saturday on TV3.

As part of the 2015 series, Makirikiri Marae received help to complete its ablution block and replace the roof of the wharenui. It also had new lawns laid, new gardens planted, new fences erected and all buildings were painted, with several areas around the marae paved.

"With whanau returning home from all over New Zealand, it was wonderful to see the marae bustling," Makirikiri Marae project co-ordinator Stephen Paewai said.

Dannevirke's Stephen Paewai was the co-ordinator for the project at Makirikiri Marae. Photo / Christine McKay

"Our marae means a great deal to its hapu and, in that way, we were hoping for a good turnout of volunteers, as we had quite ambitious renovation tasks. We needn't have worried.

"I was absolutely blown away by the amount of people who showed up.

"I never expected the incredible support we received.

"There are some great things about a small community and pulling together in a time of need is when I love our community most.

"We had whanau from all over the country come and donate any time they could afford. We had local workers offer tradesmen and manpower to work trucks and paint the marae's exterior, and people dropped off baking to help keep our energy levels up."

Mr Paewai told the Dannevirke News the renovation had made the marae more marketable.

"It will allow us to generate more income so we can keep up the maintenance," he said.

"It's quite moving to see and hear people talk about the events they now want to have at the marae.

"People are excited about using it in ways we haven't seen before."

The DIY programme will screen on TV3 this Saturday at 2.55pm.