News in brief

Makara Cemetery

Makara Cemetery, near Wellington, has long provided burial grounds for many ethnicities and faiths, but until recently did not have a place set aside for Mâori. 

A special urupâ (burial ground) for Mâori who choose to be buried in Wellington was opened in August by Wellington Mayor Celia Wade-Brown, iwi and kaumâtua. It is named Ngâ Iwi o Te Motu Urupâ. 

The urupâ features a carved gateway (tomokanga whakairo) at the entrance which was carved over 12 weeks by three prisoners from the Mâori Focus Unit at Rimutaka Prison.

“The men acquired a lot of knowledge, from how to prepare the wood to the carving techniques and the tikanga behind it,” says carving teacher and Corrections Officer Kereopa Wharehinga. 

“The carvings are something to be proud of, and one day the men will be able to visit Makara and show their children what they’ve done.“

The central figure on the front of the carved gateway represents Ue Poto, guardian of everything that dwells beneath the surface of the land. The central figure on the rear represents Tûpai Whakarongo Wânanga, guardian of bones and residue.