A Marae for Our City

Ngāmotu Marae is a long overdue and deeply significant cultural infrastructure project for New Plymouth and Taranaki.

Led by Ngāti Te Whiti, mana whenua of Ngāmotu New Plymouth, the marae will provide the hapū with a home in their own rohe, while opening its doors to the wider community.

Located at 1 Bayly Road in Moturoa, near the waterfront and coastal walkway, Ngāmotu Marae will be a place for hui, education, cultural tourism, community events, conferences, workshops, celebrations, and connection. It will also provide practical support in times of need, offering a safe and welcoming place for people to gather during emergencies.

This is more than a building project. It is a community legacy, built by the community and for the community.

Ngāmotu Marae will include:

The marae is designed with community, culture and accessibility at its core. Once complete, it will include:

• A wharenui, providing a place for kōrero, learning, tikanga and connection

• A wharekai, supporting manaakitanga, hospitality, catering and community gatherings

• Community, meeting and administration spaces

• Atea and outdoor gathering areas

• Civil infrastructure, including power, water, access, earthworks, landscaping and parking

• Accessible and inclusive design throughout

• Environmentally considered building principles

Together, these spaces will support Ngāti Te Whiti, local whānau, schools, community groups, organisations, visitors and the wider region.

A major milestone reached: 

In June 2026, the Government announced a commitment of up to $8.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to support the development of Ngāmotu Marae.

With this commitment, alongside significant support from Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, local government, Toi Foundation, philanthropic partners, donors and the wider community, the full $17.8 million infrastructure and construction target has now been raised. This is a major step forward for the project and for the city.

This project is moving forward. The mahi ahead will create the backbone of the marae site and set the stage for future buildings and community spaces.

What is happening now: 

Stage 1 civil and infrastructure works are currently underway at the marae site. This work is creating the backbone of the development, including the essential services, access, groundwork and site preparation needed before construction of the marae buildings begins.

Once this stage is complete, the project will move into the construction of the marae buildings, bringing the long-held vision for Ngāmotu Marae closer to reality.

Why this project matters: 

For generations, Ngāti Te Whiti have not had a marae in the city of New Plymouth. Ngāmotu Marae will restore a place to stand, gather, welcome, teach, remember and look forward.

For the wider community, the marae will be a significant regional asset. It will support cultural understanding, education, tourism, events, economic activity, community resilience and connection.

It will be a place where people can come together, where the stories of Ngāmotu New Plymouth can be shared, and where future generations can learn, participate and belong. Ngāmotu Marae is a home for Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, a cultural anchor for the city and an asset for the whole region.

Acknowledgements: 

Thank you to Ngāti Te Whiti whānau, project partners, funders, donors, supporters and community members who have helped bring this kaupapa to life.

Ngāmotu Marae is being built with and for our whole community through the commitment, generosity and belief of many.

We’re building Ngāmotu Marae together.