Anzac Park will be a hive of activity in March when construction is set to commence on Mareikura Waka Ama Club’s new waka storage facility, bringing the long-awaited project to life in the club’s 40th year of establishment.
This milestone comes after decades of effort from generations of club members, whānau, and community members. Since the club’s inception, their waka have been stored outdoors and exposed to harsh weather conditions. Having the project at a shovel-ready status is significant for the club following years of overcoming multiple barriers, the most recent being the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
A full rescope, redesign and relocation of the facility to ensure it can withstand future flooding risks increased the project’s total cost to just over $1.6 million. Now located in an elevated area of Anzac Park, the facility will protect the club’s waka from the elements, future-proofing their lifespan.
Trust Tairāwhiti initially approved $502,677 to Mareikura in 2022 as an ‘early win’ project in the Tairāwhiti Sports Facilities Business case. Following the cyclone’s impact, the Trust increased its contribution to just over $1.3 million.
“Some of the setbacks have actually reflected positives as well,” says project manager Shane Kingsbeer. “We’ve upgraded the original planned concrete floor so in the future, the club can close the whole building in and create a more enclosed and flexible space."
A home base has been a long-held dream for the club. Waka ama participation has seen remarkable growth over the years, and the new facility will provide a solid foundation for further expansion. As a sport that enhances wellbeing and connects whānau of all ages, many are excited to see it come to fruition.
"For our older members, seeing it will be a hā moment. For our rangatahi, it’ll be a place they can connect with,” says Mareikura Waka Ama Club member Joelene Takai. “We want them to treat it like a marae, uphold its tikanga, and know they belong—because they’re the next generation to maintain it and keep its kaupapa strong.
“It’s not just for us but for our whole community. This is more than just a storage facility; it’s an investment in our future.”
The project is also part of the club’s broader vision to instil mātauranga Māori and a sense of responsibility for caring for the taiao.
“Looking after the whenua, looking after the awa – it’s all connected.
“We want to teach our rangatahi about the importance of protecting the awa, which once sustained our ancestors and continues to be a lifeline for our people so they can carry this onto future generations,” Joelene says.
Funding for the project also includes contributions from the Lottery Community Facilities, which provided $250,000, and the Eastern Central Community Trust, which contributed $50,000. Mareikura has also raised $20,000 through their own fundraising efforts.