Ngāmotu Marae to be built in central New Plymouth
Published: 8 July, 2026
The Government is providing up to $8.6 million from the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) to Ngāti Te Whiti, the mana whenua of New Plymouth, to establish a new marae in the heart of the city.
Ngāmotu Marae will give Ngāti Te Whiti a home in their own rohe (territory).
The new marae will be built in Moturoa, near the waterfront and popular public coastal walkway.
The project includes building a wharenui and wharekai, along with community, meeting and administration spaces, civil works such as power, water, access and earthworks, and full site development including landscaping and parking.
The marae will double as a lifeline during emergencies, with a wharekai able to provide food, shelter and essential services.
The project is being delivered by Ngāti Te Whiti Whenua Tōpu Trust. The total cost is $17.8 million, with co-funding from Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, local government, the Toi Foundation, and the community. It will support around 46 jobs during construction.
Long term, the marae is expected to support cultural tourism, local enterprise and community-led development.