Bronwyn Hayward

Director of Sustainable Citizenship and Civic Imagination

University of Canterbury

"A huge thanks to Ōnuku Marae for hosting The 3rd year Environmental Policy and Politics Class to discuss water management, it was simply an outstanding day of learning: “Hapaitia te ara tika pumau ai te rangatiratanga mo nga uri whakatipu - foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and growth for future generations”.

This was an outstanding learning experience, and it was one of the most memorable and meaningful in my career and as a teacher.

I also want to personally thank Ōnuku Marae and especially Pere Tainui, Ngaio Tuari, Peter Sciascia and Debbie Tikao for giving time so generously to share important knowledge and key insights with a new generation of students."

Suzanne Pitama

Director of Maori/Indigenous Health Institute

Otago University

"Over the last 14 years we have utilised Ōnuku marae as a venue for the teaching of 4th year medical students.

The environment that Ōnuku provides for learning and developing understanding of Ngai Tahu history is exceptional. Between the beautiful vistas, the history preserved in the wharenui, wharekarakia and Takapuneke, the outstanding physical facilities and the amazing marae catering (this is a notable highlight for our students) – we can not say enough to encourage others to take the opportunity to be hosted at Ōnuku marae.
Ōnuku marae’s ability to warmly host, whilst providing us with the independence to run our course is always appreciated.

We look forward to our continuing long standing relationship with Ōnuku runaka and have not hesitation to recommending Ōnuku Marae to other organisations."

Professor Marie Connolly

University of Melbourne

"In July, Aboriginal students and staff from the University of Melbourne visited Ōnuku Marae to engage with and learn from kaumatua, and the rich local stories of history and place. We had a splendid time at the marae, and were warmly and generously welcomed.

We felt very privileged and the visit was a highlight of the team’s visit to Aotearoa. Cultural exchanges such as this are immensely valuable and we are grateful for the experience."

Andy Thompson

Operations Manager

Department of Conservation

"DOC and Onuku are working together for a better environment.  Both Onuku and DOC work together on our marine monitoring programme both inside and just outside the harbour. 

Onuku named and blessed the DOC boat ‘Kahukura’ and it’s a delight to work together on the Waitangi Day celebrations.  DOC really values the strong working relationship we have with the folks at Onuku.

I just wanted to say a huge 'ka pai' for hosting us at Onuku Marae over the last few days.

The tikunga was fantastic,  For us it struck the right balance between formal, pushing us to grow our knowledge, but still making it comfortable, welcoming and allowing us to try and try again when it wasn’t quite coming together.

The staff Mary, Peter, Toby and Rae were absolutely fantastic, it was really nice to spend some time with them, they were good teachers as well. 

The venue is brilliant, not only the facilities but being able to look our the windows and see so much of your home but also the areas we manage make it very meaningful and it was a really good insight for our staff from other districts.

The kai – unbelievable! 

Thanks so much once again!"

Wayne Heath

OHS Consultants Ltd

"Thank you for the opportunity over these past 3 years to assist Onuku Runanga establish a strong and robust health and safety management system that helps provide a safe environment for whānau and manuhiri while at Onuku Marae.

Keep up the good work, for as you will be aware, safety in the community is not about a destination where we arrive and relax; rather about a journey where we stay alert and pro-actively pursue continual improvement."

Mel Opie and Sarita McLean

Rotary NZ

"Our District Governor Sarita wanted to have a conference with a difference. With Ōnuku Marae as the venue, she and her conference committee, after months of planning, certainly achieved that.

We were blessed with good weather at just the right times for the arrival of 130 attendees on Friday evening. While waiting outside people could take in the scenery and ambience. We were called onto the marae early as the welcome-on cannot be conducted in darkness. Many people spoke of the warmth and atmosphere of proceedings and of the excellent offering of kai to end the impressive powhiri. Just to mention too, that the food (kai) was excellent on every occasion, thank you.

The conference committee were committed to the theme “the one world of Rotary making difference” underlined with celebrating our cultural diversity which was one of the key reasons for holding the conference at a marae. It was also a chance for our Rotary family to learn a little more about our shared cultural heritage. Thank you to everyone at Ōnuku for making our conference a success; this certainly will be a conference that everyone will talk about for years to come!"