A Century-Old Pou Returns to its Māori Home

A carved pou from the Tangoio Marae, severely damaged by Cyclone Gabrielle in 2020, has washed ashore on the Mahia Peninsula, nearly two years after it was swept away. The chairperson of Ngāti Kahungunu, Bayden Barber, expressed hope that the return of the pou could bring solace to the whānau of Tangoio, as they continue to wait for a plan to rebuild their marae.

The Pou’s Journey

The pou was found by residents at Taylors Bay in Mahia, 87 kilometres away from the original location of the marae. Barber described the pou as “not in the best condition” but acknowledged that it could be restored and returned to its rightful place.

“It was found within our rohe, quite ironic that it was found up at Te Māhia in terms of our tīpuna Rongomaiwahine,” Barber said. “But the haukāinga are very happy of course to have that pou returned.”

Kaumātua Bevan Taylor, who carved the house at Tangoio and the pou, will make the call on the future of the pou.

A Slow Burn Recovery

Tangoio Marae was one of the worst-hit marae in Hawke’s Bay during Cyclone Gabrielle. The inside of the whārenui was covered in metres of silt, and whānau have been unable to use it since the storm.

“It’s been a ‘slow burn recovery’ for Tangoio,” Barber said. “Kei te mamae tonu rātau (they are still hurting) that they don’t have a marae, they don’t have a whare to have tangihanga and express their tikanga.”

Nearby Petāne Marae in the Esk Valley has recently negotiated a plan forward for its marae.

A Call for Action

Barber expressed hope that Tangoio would not be far behind, but said it has taken far too long already. “There are challenges just finding land in their takiwā which is safe and flood-free, but two years, come on, it should have been done within a year.”

The return of the pou to its rightful home was seen as a significant boost for the whānau. “He tohu o te ora, ahakoa ngā pēhitanga o te wā, despite the challenges of the day whether they be political, whether they be climate change it’s a tohu (sign) of resilience,” Barber said.

“We’re not going anywhere we’ll be here for another thousand years plus.” As for now, the whānau are grateful for any sign of progress.

A Government Response

The government is being approached for comment about the future for the marae. With the return of the pou, Barber hopes that a strong signal will be sent to the government regarding their plan for the marae’s rebuilding.

In conclusion, while the road ahead remains uncertain, the return of the pou has brought a glimmer of hope to the whānau of Tangoio. As they continue to wait for a plan to rebuild their marae, one thing is clear: their resilience and determination will see them through another thousand years plus.