Whakapapa (genealogy) is a very important part of Māori culture. Genealogy is at the core of everything Māori children are taught. We are connected to our honored ancestors, to other tribes, other families, and to the land, the world and the universe.

The poupou (carved wall figures) inside Hawaikiroa (our beautiful carved meetinghouse), are named after our common ancestor and many of his descendants. They are not just art-forms. They are a document in wood showing many of our ancestral lines. The carvings serve as memory markers of our identity and connections to one another. Today, they help us to be ever mindful of who they were, the principles they stood for, and their accomplishments. These memories live on in us through many of our stories, chants and songs.

We invite you to explore this beautiful meeting house, the carvings, woven wall panels and decorative rafters. We would love to tell you of our connections to Hawaikiroa.