Maniaiti Marae (Wallace Pā)

Maniaiti Marae or Wallace Pā is a marae in Ngapuke, situated roughly 6 km south-east from the township of Taumarunui, located in the central North Island of New Zealand.

Ancestry

Members of the marae are mostly the descendants of Nehuora and Te Wakatahurangi Te Warahi (née Chadwick), the latter being better known as "Nanny Maraea". Nanny Maraea was a staunch and well-respected matriarch, and was responsible for much of the marae's development. Nehuora was also greatly respected and performed the duty of delivering the family's children. It is thought he may have delivered over a hundred children during his lifetime, possibly many more as it was not restricted to just his family.

The marae is called Wallace Pā, as "Warahi" was transliterated to "Wallace" during the time when Māori people were being encouraged to take European names. Now though many descendants have reverted back to Warahi, and many family or whānau have other names – among them Chadwick, Roderick, and Te Wano.

Tribal affiliation

The iwi (tribe) most affiliated with the marae is Ngāti Tuwharetoa, although Ngāti Kahungunu (the tribe of Nanny Maraea) are also closely associated. Most descendants associate with both iwi.

Through Ngāti Tuwharetoa, the whānau claim Ngāti Manunui as their hapū (subtribe), and Taupo-nui-a-Tia as their moana (lake). It is important in Māori culture to be able to show where lineage and rohe (area of origin) are located. An example is shown below of a common Ngāti Tuwharetoa mihi or statement reflecting this:

Mihi	Translation
Ko Tongariro te Maunga Ko Taupo te Moana Ko Tuwharetoa te Iwi Ko Te Heuheu te Tangata	Tongariro is the Mountain Taupo is the Lake Tuwharetoa is the Tribe Te Heuheu is the Man*
*Te Heuheu, being the hereditary name of the paramount chief

Environment

The region of Ngapuke is a rural forestry area. The Pungapunga River runs to the back of the marae and is used for swimming and catching eel (in hinaki/net catchments).

Future

The future of Wallace Pā is uncertain, the marae is run-down and fewer family remain. With most of the family now having moved away to other areas of New Zealand, it has been difficult to gather them together to rebuild the Pā. Funds are also an issue for the marae. The family members live in all corners of the country with many also residing in neighbouring Australia. Family members have been trying to raise funds to ensure the legacy of the marae and the Warahi family remains.

References

• Grace, John Te Herekiekie. Tuwharetoa