When rugby fans witnessed the All Blacks’ iconic traditional war dance, known as the ‘haka’ before the game, foreign crowds were in awe by their exuberant movements, aggressive facial expressions and reverberated chants in unison. The significance to this is more than just an intimidation to their opponents. It is the quintessence of the Maori culture that bonds and holds their community together. If you would like to enrich your learning about the history and culture of Maori people, who represent around 15% of New Zealand’s total population since 2013, then put your books away and experience it right here at Māngere. As a semi-urban and multicultural town with around 55,000 residents of four major ethnic groups – Maoris, Europeans, Pacific Islanders and Asians, it is also commonly known for its easygoing and friendly people. On the contrary belief that Māngere means “idle” in English, this looming town has four action-packed activities that you can fulfil in learning the history and culture of the Maori people.
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1. Book a guided tour and climb the trail of Māngere Mountain
Located off the shores of Manukau Harbour, Māngere Mountain has one of the largest volcanic cones of Auckland’s volcanic grounds. At 106 metres (347.7 feet) above the sea level, the mountain offers a breathtaking view of both Manakau Harbour and Auckland from afar. Although the volcano is still active, its last eruption was actually dated nearly 18,000 years ago. With that said, please be aware of the surroundings while you visit the mountain.
The best way to learn about the history of the Maori settlement, or as the Maori called it, ‘pā’, is to book a guided tour from the Māngere Mountain Education Centre, which is located at the base of the mountain. The tour guide is well-informed about the volcano’s formation and the arrival of its first Maori residents. For avid history-lovers, visitors can learn the history of the remains of a fortified Maori settlement, which were affected by the volcano in the mid 19th century. From its highest peak, you will be shown how and why this mountain served as a strategic and military fortress.
Māngere Mountain Education Centre
Address: 100 Coronation Rd, Māngere, Auckland 2022
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Monday to Friday. Closed on public holidays and two weeks over the Christmas period.
Access: 100 metres south of the main entrance to Māngere Mountain
Contact: +6496347305
Website: Māngere Mountain Education Centre
Directions from Auckland City: Māngere Mountain
2. Take three walks on the wild side at Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve
If you love to dig up the past (literally, not metaphorically), delve into one of New Zealand’s biggest archaeological sites, the Otuataua Stonefields. It is the home to the remaining volcanic cone that takes the same name. The Maoris were the first residents at the heart of this area, where they depended on their crops as their main source of living. In the last hundred years, Europeans emigrated to this area and farmed side by side with the Maoris. At some point during the historical walk tour, visitors will see stone structures dated 800 years old from Maori and European Settlements. The guides will provide visitors a deeper insight into how both Maori and European residents coexisted with one another, how they farmed and reaped from their resources.
The botanical walk is quite unique in a sense that you will see fascinating, native flora and fauna in Maori names. Birds dominate the wildlife but they can be quite challenging to spot where there are hardly any trees. During this walk, you can also observe the remains of the European and Maori farming areas. The geological walk is also an educational experience about the formation of its terrains and the features of Otuataua volcano.
According to Auckland Council, please note that there are no toilets at the reserve and you can find them on Oruarangi Road, which is 1km (0.6mi.) north of its main entrance on the Oruarangi Creek’s mouth and landing. Certain areas of the reserve, such as the Puketaapapa volcano, are off limits as they hold sacred importance. So keep this fact in mind and be considerate to everyone while you visit.
Otuataua Stonefields
Address: 56 Ihumatao Quarry Rd, Māngere, Auckland 2022
Opening Hours: 24/7
Directions from Auckland City: Otuataua Stonefields
3. Witness the best of Maori art and culture at Māngere Arts Centre
Māngere Arts Centre highlights the greatest talents of Maori and Pacific Island people through both performing and visual arts. It comprises modern facilities and white-walled galleries, which consist of various vanguard art works. Take this opportunity to visit its exhibitions or catch a theatrical show that underscores Maori and Pacific cultural pride.
Māngere Arts Centre (Theatre Shows)
Address: Corner Bader Drive and Orly Avenue, Māngere, Auckland 2022
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Mondays to Fridays. 10am - 4pm on weekends. Closed on public holidays.
Price: Adults, 25 NZD (18 USD), Concessions for Seniors and Students, 20 NZD (14 USD), Child, 15 NZD (11 USD) and Group + 6 people, 20 NZD (14.04 USD) each
Duration: varies from 1 hour to 1.5 hours
Book Now: EventFinda
Māngere Arts Centre (Galleries)
Address: Corner Bader Drive and Orly Avenue, Mangere, Auckland 2022
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm, Mondays to Fridays. 10am - 4pm on Saturdays. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Contact: +6492625789
Website: Māngere Arts Centre
4. Arrange a visit to the Te Puea Memorial Marae
The marae in New Zealand are defined as a sacred community, who attend to the social and religious needs of the Maori people. It integrates with a uniquely-carved, handmade meeting house, or as the Maori call it, ‘te wharenui,’ which resembles the structure of a human body and embodies a certain ancestor of a Maori tribe. The Te Puea Memorial Marae was once a refuge for the homeless people until the end of July last year. It is still open to its visitors, but as a courtesy, please contact them prior to visiting.
When you arrange a visit to the marae, it is a special and unforgettable experience where you will be welcomed with a ceremonial gathering outside, usually led by elderly women. Throughout the ceremony, visitors are kept quiet until someone speaks. From honouring the Maori ancestors to a speech about the struggles of preserving the Maori language, visitors must respect them at all times. You will also learn how to greet each other by the end of the ceremony with the customary ‘hongi’ a press of each other’s noses or with a warm handshake. Maori people are the most hospitable and friendliest during the marae visit.
Te Puea Memorial Marae
Address: 41 Miro Street, Mangere Bridge, Auckland
Contact: +6496365683 or tepueamemorialmarae@gmail.com
Facebook: Te Puea Memorial Marae
Maori people's place in New Zealand's history
New Zealand allures all visitors through its natural beauty, but for the inquisitive minds, you are curious to know everything about the Maori people. Although it is one of New Zealand’s official languages, the Maori language is gradually becoming obsolete due to the favoured omnipresence of the English language. Nonetheless, learning Maori history and culture through these endeavours at Māngere will offer a deeper understanding of their place in New Zealand history, national identity and present society.
History
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