$2.4bn marae fund could strengthen support for Pasifika, Greens co-leader says

Marae are more than places for Māori, they are also important community spaces for Pasifika families and the Green Party says a proposed $2.4 billion funding package could help strengthen that support.

The Greens launched their Te Waonui a Tane: Thriving Marae and Thriving Communities policy over the weekend, promising $2.4bn over four years for marae across Aotearoa.

The policy would establish Te Rangatiratanga Trust, governed by hapū and iwi to fund marae initiatives, services and major building work.

In an interview with William Terite on Pacific Mornings, Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson said strong marae help build strong communities.

“When Marae are strong, communities are stronger,” she said.

"So the Green Party policy, Te Waonui a Tāne, will recognise and resource Marae properly to keep our communities connected and safe for all of us.”

Listen to the full interview with Marama Davidson below.

Davidson says Pacific people have long been part of marae communities, especially through social services and other support.

“We really want to acknowledge our Pasifika relations who have, for generations, been involved with Marae community mahi and also with Māori tangata whenua communities.”

She points to marae in South Auckland as places providing support across health, social services, environmental work and during times of crisis.

Green co-leaders Marama Davidson and Chlöe Swarbrick announcing the $2.4bn Te Waonui a Tāne policy on Sunday. Photo/Instagram/NZ Green Party

“When marae are functioning properly, they can look after people better, all people, including our close whanau and our Pasifika relations,” Davidson said.

Pakilau Manase Lua, Tongan community leader, says Pacific families already rely on marae for some of their most important gatherings.

“As Pacific people, we benefit from the work that marae do. We also use a lot of marae for our own functions, you know, birthdays, funerals, weddings, reunions and that sort of thing. So I think the policy is a great idea,” he said.

Under the Greens’ plan, $2 billion would go into a long-term investment fund with Davidson saying it could generate up to $100 million a year in returns.

A further $400 million would be available for more immediate capital work and services.

“$400 million would be for the more immediate and urgent costs and initiatives of marae, like fixing up toilet blocks, repairs to really old buildings that are the case for marae across the country,” she told Terite.

Green MP Teanau Tuiono at the Te Waonui a Tāne announcement. Photo/Instagram/NZ Green Party

“It could go into social services, health services, and that would be the total of the government transfer over to this project, this funding of Te Waonui a Tāne.”

Davidson says the policy is also a response to cuts to community organisations under the current coalition Government.

“In general, we would want to see community organisations better funded,” she said.

"We know that under this government, community organisations have had cut after cut after cut on top of the living costs rising for people.”

Pakilau says the same need applies to Pacific community spaces including churches and fale.

“Funding community centres and places where we congregate like churches and, you know, fale is a good idea,” he said.

Te Puea Marae in Māngere has provided vital support to vulnerable communities, including housing and feeding homeless in winter. Photo/RNZ

“Our people tend to congregate in these places, and it's a great place to access our community.”

He points to Te Puea Memorial Marae in Mangere as an example of a marae supporting people beyond its own Māori community including food, shelter, healthcare and social services.

“Te Puea Marae out in Mangere is a classic example where they're helping our communities,” Pakilau said.

“People who are homeless, don't have anywhere to go, who need a warm meal, clothing, you know, marae are doing their bit.”

The Greens say the policy would be funded through a proposed tax on the wealthiest individuals and largest corporations.