Whakamanatia te tapu, te ihi, te wehi o te whanau
To address, restore and enhance the mana and tapu of the whānau

Inspired by a mission to restore and enhance the wellbeing of whānau, Whakatū Marae has been on a journey of development since the 1960’s with an infrastructure that now ensures that local Maori and others have access to services and support that is delivered with the tikanga and cultural values of the six Mana Whenua Iwi that the marae serves.

With on site services including a Kohanga Reo, a Kokiri centre that allows for the delivery of a comprehensive range of health and support services including an on site registered nurse, massage therapist, physiotherapist, doctor, social workers, counsellors, group facilitators, anger management facilitators, a quit smoking coach, rangatahi worker, health promoter, a gym and gym instructor, and a palliative care service with three out service staff, Whakatū Marae is clearly delivering on its inspired mission.

In addition to the provision of health services Whakatū Marae offers several educational programmes including courses on horticulture and computing technology.

The computer courses are part time over 6 months and are NZQA registered, offering graduates 6O credits towards a level two qualification. “We used the XP and Office Professional donated software to help set up our computer suite, some 20 PC’s. These courses are offered free and are going really well.” says Reni Gargiulo, Kaiawhina Tari. “We would not have been able to run these courses with the previous software that Whakatū Marae had.”

“This software has enabled many whānau to succeed in their ambition to be able to use technology and communicate with Whānau overseas, enrol in higher level courses at a local tertiary institute and be more positive in life.” says Trevor Wilson Pouwhakahaere (CEO)

The donation from Microsoft has also meant that the Marae staff have had their PC’s upgraded too. The management team are using Project Share software to help with their many projects and Reni says “this is not only saving us a lot of time but it is also giving us a professional cutting edge look. The donation from Microsoft New Zealand means we are in line with other businesses and are able to open programmes that last year we couldn’t; the TechSoup programme has made such a difference. Our thanks to all involved to help make this possible.” Reni Gargiulo

Who are they?
Whakatū Marae

Where are they?
Taitapu Bay, Whakatū, Nelson, New Zealand

What do they do?
Health & Social Services, Marae bookings including tourism.

What did they receive?
Professional Plus, XP and Project Share

The Outcome?
Up to date, increased efficiency, time saved and a “professional cutting edge look”. Reni Gargiulo
Kaiawhina Tari.