Matata has three local marae that the locals and families can affiliate to. Oniao which is located on the outskirts of Matata heading towards Whakatane. It's easily missed and forgotten to passer-byers as it is situated on top of the small hillside that overlooks Te Awa O Te Atua and Tangaroa. Currently one of our local master carvers has been working for the past 10 or so years restoring Oniao. It is expected that the restoration work will be completed this year which would be a great opportunity for the local community and wider region to come back together to witness and share in the re0opening of one of our most prominent marae. Oniao is said to have been the host to Te Kooti when he travelled from Te Whanau A Apanui to evade British soliders. Oniao also has links and affiliations that tie into Tuwharetoa.
Rangitihi Marae is situated on the same hillside as Oniao but further in to the township of Matata. Rangiaohia is the name of the tupuna whare, Rakauheketara is the name of the wharekai, Rangitihi is the name of the Tangata. Rangitihi Marae was orginally located at the bottom of St John Street. However, the Marae encountered some extraordinary weather whereby the marae roof was blown off and landed where Rangitihi marae is situated today. The kuia and koroua of Rangitihi Marae speak about the times they grew up on the marae. They were entertained by various bands in the wharekai, they played billiards, danced and socialised. They also mentioned that they were treated to projected moves inside the wharenui. This truly would have been something spectacular when those days you would have been given a shilling from your parents to catch the bus into whakatane and go to the picture theatre.
Rangitihi Marae recently encountered a DIY whereby mahi was done on the tupuna whare, landscaping, the removal of the old wharepaku where WW2 soliders where housed and a general tidy up. It was a spectaculer 4 day event that saw the likes of whanau members travelling from near and far to join in the mahi. We also had the pleasure of help from local businesses namely the DOC department, Bunnings, Placemakers, Probation Workers, Tracks and Concrete, Hirequip and many others. Thank you to all those who were involved, it certainly is the first step in restoring the mana of Ngati Rangitihi.
The thrid marae is Umutahi. Umutahi is located parallel to the Rangitaiki Plains heading towards Edgecumbe. Umutahi is often the home of many special events such as weddings, whanau ra days, and birthdays. Umutahi is immaculent at all times which is due to the diligence and hardworking whanau members who often are seen mowing the lawns, removing rubbish and making sure the marae is wel taken care of.
