Whāraurau
In memory and celebration of Kaumatua Rāwiri Wharemate, it is time to completely embrace our name Whāraurau.
Matua Rāwiri was a key part of gifting the name Whāraurau after consultation with the Northern Regional Iwi Leaders Forum. Rāwiri was kaumātua for Whāraurau from 2003 until his passing in Pīpiri | June 2021.
‘Whāraurau’ is an early Māori term for small temporary transportable huts used to shelter gatherers of tītī - the muttonbird.
Whāraurau were constructed by using locally available resources, i.e. mānuka, nīkau, harakeke, etc. Whāraurau provided shelter and support for the workers, the hunters, and those plucking and preparing the birds.
In the same way, we at Whāraurau move about the country providing training and support to the workforce.