Te Awhina Marae, of Motueka, has leapt centuries from pre-European settlement to today. It is a people's marae, and offers a place of belonging, social awareness and learning for the whole community. Te Awhina Kokiri Centre was established in 1986. Te Awhina is registered as a private training establishment with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority and offers both formal and informal courses of learning. Courses are also given in Performance Music, Hospitality Skills and other vocational and life-skill areas.
Tutors are skilled and enthusiastic.
The concept of learning and support has always been paramount. Master carver John Mutu has been trained at the Rotorua Carving Institute and has worked on carving projects throughout the country. Since 1987, John and trainees have carved the wharenui 'Turangaapeke', and have also carved for other marae in Nelson and Marlborough, as well as completing smaller commissioned works. Above all, Te Awhina is a 'living' marae. It is vibrant in its learning, and enthusiastic in its teaching.