Skip Content
Sandy Adsett

Nearly forty years ago Sandy Adsett and a host of other volunteers banded together to work on the interior of the whārenui of Te Rauhina Marae in Wairoa.

This year, he was back, not to inspect his handiwork from years gone by, but to once again put himself to work as the marae underwent a makeover courtesy of popular television show Marae DIY.

Te Wānanga o Aotearoa is into its third year as broadcast sponsor of the show and at each of the marae which receive upgrades, toi whānau and others from Te Wānanga o Aotearoa pitch in to get the job done and help create unique art projects for each marae.

Sandy says returning to Te Rauhina allowed him to catch up with some of the same volunteers he worked with decades ago.

“Many are now in their 50s and 60s,” he says.

“And there was real value in being able to reconnect.”

He says they worked with the marae before the makeover got underway to ensure what was planned fitted with the kaupapa of the marae.

“We paid a visit beforehand, got the measurements we needed and worked through concepts. We had to ensure with the marae itself that we respected their kaupapa.”

He says other issues, such as ensuring the work is completed during the four-day project and making sure the marae is not left to cover any unforeseen costs, are equally important.

“We can’t leave it unfinished and our koha must cover what we are offering,” he says.

He says that was achieved at Te Rauhina and the outcome – which will be revealed on Three later this year – was a good one.

“It was a real positive outcome and a learning one for the whānau.”

 Back to news & events

Published On:

Article By:



Other Articles

  • 23 September 2025

    HRC Maternal Health Inequity Report

    New research led by Dr Sarah Lockwood highlights critical gaps in maternity care during Cyclone Gabrielle, urging the Government to include midwifery and Māori leadership in emergency planning. The report calls for equity-focused reforms to protect pregnant women and whānau in climate crises.

  • 18 September 2025

    From Wānanga baby to Wānanga tauira

    Ripekka Matthews’ lifelong connection to Te Wānanga o Aotearoa began as a child and continues today through her te reo Māori studies. Discover how her journey from wānanga baby to tauira reflects whānau legacy, cultural identity, and the transformative power of education.

  • 05 September 2025

    Cooking up confidence in te reo Māori

    Āku Hapa! is a reo Māori cooking show created by Te Wānanga o Aotearoa tauira, blending kai, kōrero, and comedy. Streaming on Māori+, this series celebrates learning te reo through laughter, mistakes, and whānau connection - one delicious dish at a time.

  • 29 August 2025

    New baby brings new purpose

    Ropata Haddon’s journey through te reo Māori study at Te Wānanga o Aotearoa was reignited by the birth of his child. Discover how fatherhood, kapa haka, and whānau support are helping him embed te reo and tikanga Māori into everyday life for future generations.