Koriniti Marae is nestled into a pretty hollow just above the Whanganui River. It's a lovely marae with a selection of fascinating buildings, including a cute-as-a-button church. I took these photographs llast time I visited the marae, in 2010.
The Whare Karakia - literally, the House of Prayers.
Carving Detail
Painted kowhaiwhai detail above the mahau (front porch) of one of the wharenui (meeting houses). Kowhaiwhai patterns vary from tribe to tribe (iwi to iwi) and many iwi have patterns that are unique to their area. Each pattern has a deep spiritual significance and is used to help illustrate the mana (power/status) of the house.
Gate Carving at the entrance to the marae complex
Kowhaiwhai Detail
Tekoteko detail on one of the wharenui. The tekoteko stands at the top of the house and represents the mana whenua of an iwi or hapu. It often represents a particular hapu or iwi ancestor.
Kowhaiwhai Detail
Visitors are welcome at Koriniti and you are able to take photographs of the exterior of the marae buildings. It pays to ring ahead though, so you don't arrive in the middle of a tangi (funeral) or some other marae event. http://www.koriniti.com/
