The historic whare tupuna at Te Tii Marae in Waitangi has reopened after undergoing major restoration.
Thousands gathered early in the morning at Te Tou Rangatira, the site where He Whakaputanga (the Declaration of Independence) was signed in 1835, before moving to the marae for the ceremony. The event was led by iwi from Taranaki, who conducted karakia and speeches before a hāngī was prepared for 10,000 people.
Marae chairman Ngāti Kawa Taituha expressed his pride in the project, acknowledging the hard work of those involved. “I’ve had my fair share of tears just seeing how beautiful it is,” he said. The $5 million restoration included a new roof, extended verandah and gateway, improved landscaping, and intricate carvings inside and outside the building.
The renovations are part of a broader plan to develop the marae. Future projects include upgrading the dining hall, reestablishing a kōhanga reo, and creating an education and media hub. There are also discussions about housing the historic He Whakaputanga 1835 document in a new multipurpose complex on Te Tou Rangatira.
Te Tii Marae has long been an important site in Waitangi. Its 101-year-old meeting house, named Te Tiriti o Waitangi, was once a key location for political visits during Waitangi commemorations. These visits stopped in 2018 when formalities were moved to Te Whare Rūnanga on the Treaty Grounds.
