Onetahua Marae

A cold night followed by a crisp clear day, only 3c at 9am. We've been to the beach twice but we also had a wander inland at Pohara and admired the Marae. Marae are where culture is celebrated, the Maori language spoken and where important ceremonies are held. They are considered wahi tapu, sacred places. This beautifully carved building is the home Marae for three iwi, or tribes and is multicultural, run by the local community. It was established in 1986. Onetahua means heaped up sand and refers to the nearby Farewell Spit. Thank you Google!
We had another trip to the beach in the afternoon. Esme was in her element and literally covered in head to toe with damp sand. Has to be done.