Ko Tokatoka Te Maunga

Ko Wairoa Te Awa

Ko Kaipara Te Moana

Ko Māhuhu-ki-te-rangi  Te Waka

Ko  Pokopopkowhititera Te Taniwha

Ko Hoeroa Te Ngaru

Ko Rangiriri Te Rākau Whakangau Tai

He rākau mana he rākau tipua

Ka rere te tai tapu

Ko Rongomai te Ariki

Ko Ngāti Whātua te iwi

Ko Te Uri o Hau te hapu

Ko Ripia te Marae

Ko Te Waka Tere o Te Rarawa te urupa

Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua

As man disappears from sight, the land remains

This demonstrates the holistic values of the Māori, and the utmost respect of Papatuanuku, Mother Earth.

As dawn broke on 31 March 2018, the air was crisp and Ripia Marae of Tatarariki (Te Kopuru) stood proud and welcomed whanau from near and far.  

The sun rose over the Wairoa River to the sound of Kai Karanga, Himene, Karakia, Mihi and the familiar sound of korero and history shared. One’s mind (Hinengaro) was awakened to memories from a long time ago in this land.  This moment signified the opening of the Wharenui, named Te Orikena, and the Whare Kai named, Nga Anahera.

The awakening, a place that had stood silent for over a decade, was shared by more than 700 people that morning. 

There are so many cultural elements which contribute to individual wellbeing (he oranga).  Whanaungatanga and connecting whanau with whanau and reconnecting whanau with their ancestral lands and history. Those that had passed were respected and honoured on a day that made all those attending value life and who they are.  Kawe wairua (spiritual process to acknowledge loved ones), photographs of loved ones which have returned home, a place of belonging awakened once more.   Minita of various religions (Haahi) were able to unite in faith with himene and waiata that enhanced the wairua.

It is with hope, that the opening of Ripia Marae will help to rejuvenate generations to come, where wellness (hauora) can be felt, upheld and shared through knowing who you are and where you come from.

Leadership for wellness necessarily involves a wide range of community and whānau.  We here at Sport Northland have had the pleasure of supporting those connected to this Marae whether on the field, in the community or as whanau. We congratulate Ripia Marae in Te Kopuru for their achievement of restoring a Whare that once stood dormant for more than a decade. 

To those that whakapapa to Ripia and have been part of Green Prescription (a healthy lifestyle support initiative), we believe that having a Whare that is in working order will enhance one’s health journey. We will continue to strive to inspire and support Māori communities and whānau to participate in actions that are known to increase levels of wellness – mauri ora. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey.

No reira kei whakamanamana tetahi ki te tangata: no koutou hoki nga mea katoa

Therefore, let no man glory in men. For all things are yours