Nga Hau E Wha - the Marae of the four winds is the cultural embodiment of its name.

"The Marae exists as a place for people from all points of the compass to experience the uniqueness and history of Maori culture" says David Brennan, the Marae manager.

The Marae employs up to thirty people as guides, teachers, and caterers, and as part of its highly successful cultural group, to educate visitors in all aspects of traditional Maori customs and history.
The Marae itself features two of New Zealand's most spectacularly carved whare, or meeting houses, Aoraki and the Whare Wananga developed by hundreds of inexperienced trainee carvers. The buildings were constructed in keeping with traditional designs and feature carvings, woven panels and painted designs representing tribal ancestors.

As a symbol of the inclusiveness of the Marae design two European explorers, Abel Tasman and James Cook are featured in the carvings.

Many of the Marae's artistic features represent an updating of the traditional focus. A mural in the dining hall, Taranga, is vibrant in airbrushed paint and a 12 metre carved flagpole is a memorial to Maori servicemen and women who served in overseas conflicts.
"The Marae is a living centre for learning and culture," says David Brennan. "It also acts as a spiritual centre for the people of Christchurch and the South Island."

The Marae encourages the local community to take advantage of the facilities on offer and promotes itself to schools as a way for children to learn about Maori culture and customs in the Marae setting.

The pre-vocational courses run by the Marae also focus on instilling a sense of value and cultural identity in their students.
"It is important to make Maori culture both meaningful and relevant to today's society," says David Brennan.
"We offer a Marae for all New Zealanders and a place for people of other countries to experience the strength of our history. We are ensuring that our culture will endure and grow within our community and for our visitors and students."

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