A major rebuild of Opape Marae’s wharekai is entering its final stage, strengthening the marae’s role as a vital community hub and emergency response facility for Ōpōtiki’s wider community.

BayTrust has granted $201,021 towards the $3.5 million project, helping fund the final internal components required to open the new facility, including suspended ceilings, commercial HVAC cooking hoods, and kitchen cabinetry.

The grant is conditional on the marae successfully securing any remaining funds needed to complete the building.

Opape Marae project manager Marsh Moore said the BayTrust grant was critical to ensure the wharekai could be fully operational.

“While the new wharekai structure is substantially complete, it cannot be used or certified without the remaining internal components,” Mr Moore said.

“Without completion funding, a significant community asset remains unusable. So, it’s really crucial to the success of our project that we have secured this BayTrust grant.”

The wharekai rebuild has been led by Opape Marae trustees, with significant investment from Oranga Marae (Department of Internal Affairs) as the primary funder, alongside support from BayTrust, Trust Horizon, Aotearoa Gaming Trust and the Opape Marae community.

The previous wharekai, built in the 1980s, was no longer fit for purpose. Construction of the new facility began in June 2025, and practical completion will likely be by August, with a reopening date yet to be confirmed by marae trustees.

Located on the eastern edge of Te Whakatōhea’s rohe, the project will strengthen Opape Marae’s role as a first point of support in emergencies, helping the community rely less on outside services and become more self-sufficient over time.

“We’ve designed the building with generator connections and we’re investigating solar so we can work off-grid if needed,” Mr Moore said.

“Marae play so many roles in our community. They support our whānau through times of grief, host our rangatahi and tamariki for school trips and holiday programmes, and provide a base for people reconnecting with their hapū and iwi.

“It’s great to upgrade our facilities, but it’s even better when you see your marae being used. That’s the exciting part.”

Once complete, the new wharekai will restore full marae functionality for hui, tangihanga, wānanga and other community events.

“It’s been a long time coming. You can see the excitement growing among whānau, and the feedback has been amazing. When we reopen, it will be special.

“Our wharekai will serve our whānau, hapū and community for generations to come.”

BayTrust chief executive Alastair Rhodes said the organisation was proud to support a project that delivered long-term benefits for the region.

Local contractors have also been used wherever possible, supporting economic activity in the region over the past 12 months.

“Marae are at the heart of their communities and play an essential role in supporting whānau, preserving culture and responding in times of need,” Mr Rhodes said.

“This project strengthens Opape Marae’s ability to serve its community now and into the future, and we’re pleased to support that outcome,” said Mr Moore.