Whanau return for a special marae makeover

TOGETHER: A lot of whanau returned home to the rural Matihetihe Marae to help out with renovations as part of TV3's Marae DIY - they are thrilled to be together again for something so positive. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

For many communities, the marae is the beating heart, so the people from a Northland marae are excited their whanau have returned home to help give it a makeover.

Matihetihe Marae sits in Mitimiti, about 10km north of the Hokianga Harbour. When the whanau from the marae discovered it would get a makeover as part of TV3's AIA Marae DIY, they were excited - not only because it meant an upgrade but because they knew it would bring whanau home from around New Zealand.

On Thursday, the renovations kicked off and marae co-ordinator Andrew Kendall said the atmosphere was buzzing.

"It's been awesome - everyone is so happy and keen, everyone is excited. We held a dinner the night before and you could just feel everybody's sense of excitement."

Mr Kendall said because the area was rural, there was only a small residential population of about 60, so many of the whanau live in places like Auckland - so they often did not see them unless there was a tangi. However, there were at least 120 whanau members taking part in the makeover.

"It's been really good having everybody home for something that's positive. We've got a lot of whanau in trades so they've come home to help."

As part of the Marae DIY, Matihetihe became a wired marae with an ultrafast broadband connection.

Mr Kendall said he hoped the connection meant when whanau did return, they would be able to stay longer.

"In modern times, people need that connection. Whanau can't stay for long because they have jobs and families they have to keep in touch with - you'd see them run to the beach or up the hill, hands would be in the air to try get any reception.

"Our marae elders aren't allowed to see the marae until the renovations are completed but they're already buzzing about having everybody home."

As part of the renovations the wharenui will be relined and insulated - Mr Kendall said it was "very draughty", which meant the kaumatua and kuia would get cold.

The renovations finish tomorrow and whanau will clean up on Monday.