Brott (centre), President of the Kerikeri Rotary Club, and Brad Miller, a Director of the Rotary Club of Arcadia, California, present the Carving Centre Project Banner, as Ms. Jean Kapea (right), organizer of the Project for Motuti Marae, explains the Project’s goals.
Brott (centre), President of the Kerikeri Rotary Club, and Brad Miller, a Director of the Rotary Club of Arcadia, California, present the Carving Centre Project Banner, as Ms. Jean Kapea (right), organizer of the Project for Motuti Marae, explains the Project’s goals.

The Rotary Clubs of Kerikeri and Arcadia, California, have joined forces to sponsor a grant from Rotary International for a Carving Centre at Motuti Marae, resting place of Bishop Pompallier. The project is designed to develop a vocational training centre to reinvigorate the carving heritage of the Maori people. As oral history, arts such as weaving and ta moko, and the physical record of carving in three mediums -greenstone, bone and wood -form key elements of Maori culture and history, the Carving Centre is expected to be a major focal point for northern Hokianga communities and traditions.

As part of the International Rotary Foundation grant, the Rotary Club of Kerikeri is acting as the host country sponsoring club, and also providing direct support at the Marae with working parties and materials for refurbishing the Marae’s barn for use as the Carving Centre.

Ms. Jean Kapea, project co-ordinator at the Marae, welcomed DG 9910 Neil & Trish Reid, AGD Keith Day, visiting PDG 1040 Ken Robertshaw from the UK, Dr. Brad Miller of Arcadia Rotary Club and Mrs. Lian Brott, President of Rotary Club of Kerikeri, and other Rotarians from the clubs in the area, to the dedication ceremony at the Marae Saturday 8th November.

Visitors march in procession to the caller at the entrance to the meeting house
Visitors march in procession to the caller at the entrance to the meeting house

She commented that the recent progress made possible by Rotary’s assistance “was like a dream come true.” Ms. Kapea also noted that for several years the marae has been diligently pursuing development opportunities in Cultural tourism, with the proposed Carving School becoming a focal point.

Kerikeri Rotary President Lian Brott said that the Motuti Marae project “represents the heart of Rotary in action: participating in community service and development in our own backyard, as well as fostering international cooperation.” Special thanks were extended to New Zealand-born Dr. Miller, who initiated Rotary involvement and who is the driving force behind securing continued international support.

Rotarian visitors pause at the Meeting House entrance for a photo-op.

Rotarian visitors pause at the Meeting House entrance for a photo-op.