Ōrongomai Marae turns 50 on Sunday

Ōrongomai Marae turns 50 on Sunday

This Sunday marks 50 years of Ōrongomai Marae, Upper Hutt!

On 22 August 1976, the marae was officially opened with around 5000 people attending the ceremony. Over the past half a century, Ōrongomai has been an essential place of support, learning, and celebration of Māoritanga in our community.

Ngā manaakitanga.

To have a closer look at the photos below, follow the links to our community archive:

To learn more about the living history of the marae, visit the exhibition “Ōrongomai Tū Tonu” open today until 22 November 2026 at Whirinaki Whare Taonga.

Hera Katene-Horvath “Aunty Dovey” at the opening, 1976: https://uhcl.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/19429

Source: Upper Hutt Heritage / Mahara Upper Hutt Community Archive

18/08/26