Women will get to speak on marae | Wairarapa News | Local News in Wairarapa

Breaking with centuries of tradition, a group of Wairarapa women will this weekend be trained and empowered to speak on their marae.

Wahine Tu, or women standing, is a move to develop women in the art of waikorero, speaking to welcome visitors, at Te Ore Ore Marae.

Organiser Matiu Te Huki, of Kapiti, said the training would be held from tonight until Sunday afternoon, "where it is hoped one of our local women will stand and welcome visitors".

Mr Te Huki, who was born in Masterton, said he had travelled "over the hill to make a stand for women to speak".

At a consultation hui in Rangitane Wairarapa offices, Mr Te Huki was given approval to run the weekend.

"This is an issue that has been discussed for a long time in many different forums over the years," he said.

"Over the years I've wanted to have women speak on the marae for many reasons and I'm so happy that it is finally going to happen in my home town.

"I'm inspired there are local Maori men who are wanting to hear a woman's perspective spoken on the marae."

Mr Te Huki said he was excited about Te Ore Ore "being seen as a progressive, open-minded marae that can inspire other marae in our area and ultimately throughout Aotearoa to do the same".

He acknowledged his great-grandfather, Te Wainohu Te Huki, had been opposed to women speaking on a marae.

He respected his ancestor's views "for the time he was living in. However, I see in these modern times that we need to adapt.

"I personally see this as a way to support our women to step into the light as the powerful leaders they are, not just on the marae but in all areas of society."

Bringing in women would also boost speaker numbers.