A plan to put one of New Zealand's most historically important marae "back on the map" is to be launched on Waitangi Day when Papawai Marae, near Greytown, hosts an open day.
Peter Rewi, speaking on behalf of the marae committee, said two tours of the marae, one starting at10am and the other at 1pm, would take groups on to the marae to share its rich history.
Mr Rewi said it had become clear that on any given weekend "you can guarantee there will be cars pulling up at the gate and people wanting to have a look around."
With that in mind the committee decided to develop the plan to put the marae "back on the map", he said.
Mr Rewi said the Waitangi Day plan was "dipping a toe in the water to see how it will be received".
"People wanting to have a look and learn a little of the history of one of the country's most significant marae will need to put aside about an hour and a half.
"They will be taken on to the marae with a powhiri and there will be a history power-point presentation in Hukurangi, the meeting house, by Malcolm Mulholland."
Mr Mulholland of Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa, is a senior researcher and a writer whose works have included Beneath the Maori Moon - a history of Maori rugby - State of the Maori Nation and Weeping Waters.
In the last years of the 19th century and the early part of the 20th century Papawai was not merely the most outstanding marae in Wairarapa but culturally was recognised as one of the most important in New Zealand.
Mr Rewi said during that time the Papawai settlement was a self-sufficient community with up to 3000 residents.
The settlement had its own bakery, butchery, shops, flourmill, schools and its own newspaper.
"Today, it is still a thriving community with a rich history that we are looking to share.
"The open day will give not only local people but those farther afield an opportunity to visit and learn about the early days and the significance of the marae on the most appropriate day, Waitangi Day."
Among memorabilia relating to Papawai Marae is an 1911 photograph showing Sir James Carroll unveiling a memorial to paramount chief Tamahau Mahupuku.
The monument was damaged in the Napier earthquake and what could be salvaged of it now forms an existing monument in the marae grounds.
