Tuahiwi Marae, Christchurch

Modern Solutions for Traditional Values

Located in a small rural village between Rangiora and Kaiapoi in Canterbury, Tuahiwi Marae has long provided a focus for Ngai Tuahuriri, the local community and Ngai Tahu as a whole. Recently rebuilt, the Marae is positioned to enjoy all-day-sun through the glass frontage, with the entrance offering a commanding aspect over the grounds. 

A contemporary looking hall in the shape of a traditional Maori meeting house, the new Marae has been designed by Huia Reriti of Map Architects to include modern materials, new furnishings and state-of-the-art kitchen equipment. As part of the $3.2 million development, SKOPE worked with the architect and Marae to provide commercial refrigeration to cater for large numbers. With capacity to cater for up to 500 people, commercial refrigeration solutions were imperative in order to maintain health and safety standards.

SKOPE products include a Centaur two door upright freezer and four Centaur one door upright chillers. The Centaur range was selected due to its heavy-duty construction, which is ideally suited to a busy Marae kitchen.

Tuahiwi Marae has been cleverly designed in a contemporary manner to include traditional Marae features and colours, including a black roof, white walls and a trim of red. The simple gable roof form is reminiscent of a traditional whare. Without the tapu restrictions of a traditional Marae, it is expected Tuahiwi Marae will be a popular venue for community gatherings, weddings, sporting fixtures, church services, celebrations and tangis.