In our marae at school there are three main parts. The Tahuhu (backbone), the Heke (Ribs), and the carved head representing the ancestor. The reason the marae is in the shape it is is because it is the head and arms of an ancestor.
Except the carved heads on our marae represent the three tribes of Tauranga. The top head represents Ngati ranginui the middle one represents Ngati pukenga and the last one represents Ngai te rangi. The colourful rope represents two things one is all the tribes are apart but they are still connected and the second is it represents all the houses at school.
The ribs and the backbone are the most important part of the marae because if you don’t have a strong backbone and strong ribs the you won’t have a strong marae. To also have a strong marae you have to have a strong community.
The whare is a meeting place to connect with you ancestors. This is the reason we take our hats and shoes off when entering the marae. It is a sign of respect to you ancestors and to the maori culture.
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