TE WHARE HONONGA
Te Whare Hononga means The House That Binds and is a creative partnership between Ngāti Te Whiti and Taranaki Cathedral’s Church of St Mary.
The Architecture is inspired by the image of a kono (food basket) - the wooden beams placed in a woven pattern, with points of meeting, crossing, and uniting.
EXHIBITION & EDUCATION
Te Whare Hononga, meaning "The House That Binds," is a creative partnership between Ngati Te Whiti hapū and Taranaki Cathedral Church of St Mary, focusing on justice and reconciliation. As a whare wānanga, it serves as a flexible learning space hosting a free exhibition exploring the area's shared history.
Te Whare Hononga is a home of storytelling, rich with visual elements to spark the imagination. Details have been crafted by Mana Whenua to inspire the journey of honest reflection. Its award-winning architecture is inspired by a kono (food basket), the wooden beams intersect, crossing and uniting, symbolising the weaving of conversations and stories. Stained glass windows share the space with patterns and motifs of Māori & Pākehā design. There are four contemporary pou, each with a touchscreen that invites deeper learning about Whakapapa (connections), Mana Motuhake (indigenous decision-making), Taonga Tuku Iho (environmental care), and Whakapono (faith, hope, love).
Featured on one wall is a large-scale replica of the Raukawa Moana Treaty Sheet, bringing history to life through an impactful visual representation. Alongside it is a touchscreen telling its story and highlighting key signatories from the Taranaki region.
Visitors are invited to watch a nine-minute animated video on a large screen, an honest retelling of St Mary’s conflicted relationship with Māori, paying special attention to the voices that have long called for peace. Additional videos include a welcome by Ngāti Te Whiti to the region, the journey of Te Tiriti, and a dynamic map of Māori land loss.
VISITING HOURS
9am-3pm Monday-Friday
Entrance free. Koha welcome.
Te Whare Hononga offers a free exhibition exploring our shared history. There is no requirement to be formally welcomed into the space, you’re welcome to come right in. Volunteers are available in Te Whare Hononga to offer manaakitanga and answer questions as you explore the space. We are occasionally closed for private bookings. Please fill out a booking form before planning your visit.
Te Whare Hononga is purpose-built for kaupapa Māori, reconciliation events and training.If you wish to hire Te Whare Hononga for a private event please see our venue hire page.
SCHOOL VISITS & GUIDED TOURS
Te Whare Hononga is a purpose-built education space, perfect for school visits. Teachers are welcome to bring their classes free of charge for self-guided learning.
If you desire additional input, we offer 60-minute guided tours with a historical overview of Pūkākā Pā and the stories connected to Taranaki Cathedral. We visit the settler gravesite, the Waikato Warriors’ Memorial, and then spend time in Te Whare Hononga viewing the video and exhibition screens.
Advanced bookings for school visits and tours are essential.