01/07/2026
A Vision Years in the Making
There are projects that build buildings.
Then there are projects that help build the future of a community.
For the past 2½ years, the journey to bring Te Paepae o Te Raukura at Parihaka to life has been about far more than design and construction. It has been about listening, building relationships, sharing whakaaro, and ensuring every decision reflects the aspirations of the people who will call this place home.
There have been countless hui, hundreds of conversations, and many hours spent refining every detail. Every line on the plans represents the voices of those committed to creating something that will serve Parihaka for generations to come.
Today, we're incredibly proud to say...
Construction has officially begun.
When complete, Te Paepae o Te Raukura will be a 1,000m² purpose-built marae complex, thoughtfully designed to honour tradition while embracing the needs of future generations. At its heart will stand a 320m² wharenui, providing sleeping accommodation for 99 people—a place where whānau can return home, where stories will be shared, where tikanga will be upheld, and where future generations will continue to strengthen their connection to Parihaka.
Connected by generous covered walkways and gathering spaces, the complex also features a spacious wharekai capable of seating 144 people in a single sitting, alongside a modern commercial kāuta designed to support the incredible mahi of our ringawera. With dedicated preparation areas, serving spaces, accessible facilities, a parent room, and welcoming communal areas, every part of the building has been designed with manaakitanga at its core.
This journey has been made possible through genuine collaboration.
Over the past two and a half years, Isiah Reynolds of Profound Group and Hayden Whelan of Taupua have worked tirelessly alongside the Trustees of Te Paepae o Te Raukura Trust, kaumātua, whānau, ETCH Architects, consultants, and the wider project team to achieve the very best outcome for Parihaka. Every challenge has been approached together, every decision carefully considered, and every milestone reached with one shared goal—to create something that will stand proudly for generations.
Now, after years of planning, the sound of conversation around meeting tables has given way to the sound of construction on site.
Over the next 13 months, we'll have the privilege of watching this vision rise from the whenua.
For Profound Group, this is far more than another project. It is an honour to help deliver a place that will strengthen whakapapa, foster learning, celebrate culture, welcome whānau home, and stand as a lasting legacy for the people of Parihaka.
He whare ka tū hei taonga mō ngā whakatipuranga e heke mai nei.
A house that will stand as a treasure for the generations yet to come.
Ngā mihi nui to everyone who has walked this journey with us so far. We're honoured to continue walking alongside you as this remarkable kaupapa becomes a reality.❤️
