Mataatua: The House That Came Home

Mataatua: The House That Came Home is an authentic Maori wharenui (meeting house) located in Whakatane, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

The house has a rich history that dates back to the 1870s when it was built by the Ngati Awa tribe. The house is steeped in significance and is considered the ancestral house of the tribe. It is a magnificent carved structure that represents significant figures in the Ngati Awa history.

The house travelled the world during the 19th century and eventually returned to the Ngati Awa iwi (tribe) in 2011. The polished digital story of the meeting house is world-class, and visitors are allowed to touch the intricately carved poles and woven panels of flax, which are beautiful. The tale of how Mataatua became ‘the house that came home’ is also the story of the restoration of the Ngati Awa people’s iwi (tribe) after its disruption following European settlement. Eventually, the Otago Museum agreed to return the house, and Mataatua was restored and opened to the public in 2011.

Visiting Mataatua: The House That Came Home not only gives visitors the chance to see the intricacy and beauty of the carved structure at close quarters but also hear the enthralling tale of its circuitous journey away from and back to its traditional North Island/Te Ika-a-Maui home. Joining a guided tour with Rangitaiki Tours is recommended to learn more about the history and significance of the house.

In conclusion, Mataatua: The House That Came Home is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Maori culture and history. The house is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ngati Awa tribe and their efforts to restore their cultural heritage.