Raetihi Community Hub
Amidst the rolling hills and rich cultural tapestry of our small town, a new chapter is being written with the development of the Raetihi Community Hub, officially named Te Tihi o te Rae ki Mākōtuku. This new hub is more than just a building; it’s a vibrant testament to the community’s heritage, aspirations, and future.
The Raetihi Community Hub is being developed through a partnership between Ruapehu District Council and Te Korowai o Wainuiārua. This collaboration was solidified with a Memorandum of Understanding in early 2020, and since then, the project has garnered significant support and input from the local community.
We have been working alongside the chosen architects, ŌRUA and Architectus, to develop preliminary designs. The design team, consisting of ŌRUA and Architectus, has been instrumental in bringing the hub to life. ŌRUA’s expertise in Māori architecture ensures that the design honors cultural values, while Architectus provides the technical knowledge necessary for successful implementation. The result is a blend of cultural authenticity and practical functionality that promises to meet the needs of Raetihi’s diverse community.
A Hub at the Heart of Raetihi
Slated to be located at 2-4 Seddon Street, where the current police station stands, the hub will soon become a central gathering place for Raetihi’s residents. Te Korowai o Wainuiārua is in the process of reclaiming this land as part of their Treaty Settlement, offering it for the new hub as a symbol of their commitment to community development.
The hub will house a variety of facilities designed to serve multiple functions:
Library and Flexible Space:
A modern library with digital resources, technology areas, and spaces for youth and holiday programs.
Entry Area:
An open space for social interactions, ceremonies, and community consultations.
Exhibition Space:
A dedicated area for showcasing the history and culture of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua through multimedia exhibits.
Meeting and Activity Rooms:
Versatile spaces for seminars, workshops, community meetings, and more.
Community Kitchen and Amenities:
Facilities to support events and gatherings.
Dedicated Spaces:
For Ruapehu District Council, Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, and a police kiosk.
A Name Rich with Meaning
“Te Tihi o te Rae ‘’ is the name of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua’s Treaty Settlement and refers to a low flat hill near Ohakune that, from Raetihi, appears on the Horizon like the brow of Ruapehu. In many cultures the brow symbolises intellect, wisdom, and insight. In Maoridom the brow is often tattooed as part of Ta Moko, as it’s considered a connection point to one’s ancestors and spiritual lineage. Ta Moko on the brow serves as a visible reminder of this connection and the responsibilities that come with it. Naming the community hub “Te Tihi o Te Rae ki Mākōtuku” suggests that it is a place where knowledge is sought, shared, and celebrated—a beacon of learning, connection to the past, present and future and enlightenment for the community.
Meanwhile, “Mākōtuku,” has many symbols and connotations. Mākōtuku is the White Heron, a kaitiaki of Raetihi and a revered figure in Māori mythology, embodying purity, grace, and spiritual significance. Naming our project after Mākōtuku pays homage to this cultural icon and acknowledges its profound connection to our land and waterways. The Mākōtuku River flows from the great ancestor Ruapehu, carving its path through the landscape and passing through Raetihi and the doorstep of the community hub’s proposed site. This connection is profound as water symbolises life force, binding the people of Raetihi to the life force of Ruapehu. The importance of Mākōtuku to tangata whenua can also be seen through the naming of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Chief Te Pikikotuku.
Project Objectives
The Raetihi Community Hub aims to:
Preserve cultural heritage and promote Māori culture.
Ensure environmental stewardship and community engagement.
Create a space that reflects and serves the needs of the Raetihi community.
