Church members giving back

More than 150 people from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and Papawai marae combined to carry out a variety of jobs around the marae earlier this month.

Public affairs director Lloyd Huntsman said the church undertook the project as part of a national initiative called Mormon Helping Hands, which has taken place annually for the last six years.

The project encourages the members of the church to give something back to the community.

"We knew they needed help so we were happy to help out," he said.

As part of the working bee, the wharekai was painted, along with the entrance to the marae and some other buildings.

"We cleared weeds from a section of the river behind the marae and did extensive work on the grounds and the cemetery," said Mr Huntsman.

Papawai marae was chosen as one of the members has ties to it and many church members live in Wairarapa.

On August 26, 1883, the first congregation of Maori church members also met at Papawai.

"We felt that this project had particular significance as the church has historical links to the Papawai marae," he said.

People brought their own tools and paint was donated.