Ngā Mara Ātea – A Marae-Centred Programme

Ngā Mara Ātea – A Marae-Centred Programme is a day programme with a cultural difference for people with intellectual and physical disabilities, aged 16 to 65. People participating in this programme are introduced to Tikanga Māori (living by Māori values) and Te Reo Māori (Māori language) in a safe and supportive whānau environment. It is a programme based on Mara – a place of nurturing – and Ātea – a place of belonging – where participants can ‘stand inside the Marae’ so that their ‘distress may cease’. This programme provides participants with a total cultural experience where they can become a valued member of Kirikiriroa Marae.