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Marae do not operate by themselves. People run marae. When a kaupapa (occasion) happens whānau or iwi kainga (home people) will man the kitchen. They do the work to prepare and put food on the table. Their support is because of whakapapa. The mana of the manuhiri (visitors) is uppermost and ultimately the mana of their marae. Everyone pitches in to carry the load.
My phone rang. The second week of Level 4 lockdown was in full swing. I didn't know the number. I spoke to the caller and was surprised. It was a volunteer from my marae. She wanted to know how I was and if I needed help with collecting anything. The following week another volunteer from Ngāti Whakakaue called. She was offering a care pack. I was humbled with the care and attention and impressed with the service. This was not aroha learnt from a management manual. It was aroha in action and a community taking care of its kaumatua and kuia.
