Kānoa – RDU notches up a new milestone with the successful completion of its 500th project

The Far North’s Puketawa Marae has taken the honour of being the 500th completed project.

The marae, which is in the Hokianga region between Rawene and Okaihau, is the turangawaewae of the hapu of Te Honihoni.

Thanks to Kānoa – RDU’s help, it has undergone a major renovation, including refurbishing the wharenui and ablution block, as well as installing a new roof, toilets and septic tank refit.

It can now also better cater for the disabled and is able to be used for Civil Defence purposes.

The renovation cost $496,514 and was part of the Government’s COVID-19 relief package which included $96 million dollars to renovate around 350 marae throughout the country.

As well as a fresh new look and better facilities for the marae, Hokianga businesses and workers have also benefitted from the project.

The renovation has all been done by local companies, sub-contractors and workers, with 22 locals employed at various stages on the project.

Materials for the renovation were also purchased from local businesses.

The official opening of the new-look Puketawa Marae is scheduled for Waitangi Day.

As well as the marae renovation fund, Kānoa – RDU manages a range of other dedicated funds, including the Provincial Growth Fund, to invest in the regions and build their economic capacity.  

So far, it has approved more than four billion dollars in projects designed to grow our regions’ economies.

Download a list of the other 500 projects which have already been completed: