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Historic Rātana Pā building in Rangitīkei set for major upgrade thanks to .1 million grant
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Historic Rātana Pā building in Rangitīkei set for major upgrade thanks to $10.1 million grant

A trustee of the Rātana Orakeinui Trust, Talia Anderson-Town, said it was the first time Te Manuao – the large marae building in the center of the settlement – had received significant government funding.

The trust receives all funding from government agencies on behalf of the Rātana Church movement and the community.

“We are very honored, especially in the current climate, to secure funding like this. »

Anderson-Town said Te Manuao was designed to accommodate and feed many people.

“It was used for a few decades and there were some leaks and a little wear and tear.”

Over the years, donations had been relied upon to maintain the building, but now “a little bit of replacement” was needed, she said.

Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson (right) speaks at the 2024 Rātana celebrations alongside Whanganui District Councilor Josh Chandulal-Mackay. Photo / Aka Creative
Rangitīkei Mayor Andy Watson (right) speaks at the 2024 Rātana celebrations alongside Whanganui District Councilor Josh Chandulal-Mackay. Photo / Aka Creative

“This is a great opportunity to be grateful for the grant, but also to use it in the best way, to maximize the buildings so they can be used for generations to come.”

“We want to be able to continue to serve the community but also the Church, and continue to organize these big events where we welcome thousands of people to Rātana Pā, including politicians, dignitaries and anyone who wants to come and learn about this. that Rātana Pā has to offer. that’s all. »

The Orakeinui Building is the original property of the Rātana family.

Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson said he was delighted with the government’s announcement.

He had recent meetings with Jones and Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka to discuss infrastructure at Rātana Pā.

“Some of these buildings need urgent attention,” Watson said.

“If something is not done quickly, there will be questions about whether they can be used safely as they are.”

Watson said next year’s celebrations to commemorate the church’s founder, TW Rātana would also mark the first visit of the Māori Queen Ngā Wai hono i te pō.

“We need to provide facilities for the growth of Rātana and cope with the very large numbers of people attending important national events.”

Potaka said the improvements would mean safer conditions for visitors and residents and the preservation of New Zealand’s national history.

“It is also timely given that last week, on November 8, the Rātana movement marked the day the Holy Spirit is said to have spoken to Tahupōtiki Wiremu Rātana,” he said.

Mike Tweed is a multimedia journalist at Chronicle of Wanganui. Since his debut in March 2020, he has dabbled in everything from sports to music. Currently his focus is on local government, primarily Wanganui District Council.