Takutai o Te Tītī Marae - History

1990 Colac Bay School closes
1993 Declared surplus to Ministry of Education requirements. Unsuccessful in locating property in Riverton to develop a marae, Ōraka Aparima Rūnaka applies to 'utilise' the 'old school'. At our request, the Surplus Lands Komiti of the Ngāi Tahu Māori Trust Board negotiates a Head Lease with the Crown, with a Mirror Lease to the rūnaka as kaitiaki
1996	The Crown formally release the property for sale and Ōraka Aparima purchases - at full market rate (considered a rather inflated price in comparison to similar properties at the time)... but it is ours! Consists of: one open-plan classroom, one tiny passage with sink and zip, old toilets, play/storage sheds, tennis court and field, play tower and what would become the caretakers residence. Most needed TLC but the mahi of developing our marae forges ahead.
1996 Additions and Improvements New kitchen and wharekai Ablution block Painting, floor-coverings etc Decking Covered entrance to wharenui Naming of marae complex
2004 / 2009	New larger ablutions and laundry Gas heating Reroof wharehui (Te Whare Moana), the open-plan classroom Additional kai preparartion/cooking area Work on kōwhaiwhai and tukutuku panels begins Outside areas transformed 'Timata' the native plants nursery established Ongoing improvements continue
Takutai o Te Tītī Meaning the seacoast or coastline of the Tītī, the name celebates our Tītī (muttonbirds) returning each year to our shores. Their arrival healds the comming Tītī season. Shortly after the marae complex was given its name research identified that Foreshore Road, which runs along the front of the marae, was once called 'Takutai Terrace'!