Weaving Faith and Culture: Young People Transformed at Ōhope Marae
Vision for a Youth Marae Experience
For many years, Presbyterian Youth Ministry (PYM) national and regional leaders have been transformed by their experiences at Ōhope Marae. Stirred by the Holy Spirit, some of these leaders, including Nga Rolston and Kyle Hastelow from Presbytery Central and Stephanie Wells from the Church Schools Resource Office, began exploring how this life-shaping encounter could be shared more widely with young people, and from this vision a youth-focused marae weekend was born.
What began as a leadership development opportunity for a small group has grown into a national event, drawing young people from Presbyterian schools and churches across Aotearoa. Significant theological input from Rev. Dr. Murray Rae helped shape the teaching for the weekend which invites participants into a deeper engagement with Te Ao Māori, Christian faith, and the bicultural mission of the Presbyterian Church.
“Our goal is to share this powerful experience more widely. Ōhope Marae is an ideal place for our young people to encounter Māori culture, learn about the history of Christianity among our indigenous people, and explore tikanga Māori. It’s also a space to understand the partnership between the Presbyterian Church and Te Aka Puahou, and to see how Te Ao Māori and Christianity can be beautifully woven together.”
A Growing National Gathering
This marae-based youth event has now been held for two consecutive years, with a third gathering planned for King’s Birthday Weekend in 2026. To date 101 participants (76 students and 25 leaders) from a wide range of Presbyterian schools and churches in Auckland, Bay of Plenty, the central North Island, Wellington, Nelson and Timaru have been part of this transformative experience.
For many students, this was the first time they had ever stepped onto a marae. Others, particularly Māori students, were more familiar with marae life but were encountering a Christian marae for the first time.
“This experience has made me feel more connected to my peers, my faith and my Māori culture,” commented one participant.
“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” says Matt, “students quickly embraced the shift from “manuhiri” (guests) to “whānau,” learning that belonging comes with relationship and responsibilities, including helping with dishes!”
Faith and Culture Woven Together
For Māori students who had wrestled with reconciling faith and culture, the experience was especially powerful. “They found the lived example of our hosts from Te Aka Puahou and the teaching throughout the weekend incredibly helpful,” Matt explains. “It helped them understand how Te Ao Māori and Christianity can be woven together, not held in tension.”
Te Aka Puahou (TAP), the Māori Synod of the Presbyterian Church, played a central role in the event — shaping the planning, hosting the participants, and offering teaching that left a lasting impression.
“For many of our young people, interacting with members of TAP was a highlight,” says Matt. “Hearing their hopes and dreams for the marae and their ministry was incredibly moving.”
Students pictured with Te Aka Puahou (TAP), including Moderator Rev Tamiana Thrupp and Executive Officer Honey Thrupp
The physical space of Te Maungarongo Marae itself serves as a theological classroom. The pou and tukutuku panels are crafted to depict key aspects of the Christian story, reflecting the long and deep history of Māori Christianity. By the late 1850s, the majority of Māori identified as Christian — largely through the work of Māori missionaries — a history explored throughout the weekend.
A Lasting Impact on Young Leaders
Organisers hope that participants left the marae with more than just new knowledge — but with identity, purpose, and strengthened faith. Each night, groups of young people gathered for Bible studies, worship, and prayer. Many discovered for the first time that they were part of a wider whānau — a network of young Christian leaders within the PCANZ.
The impact of the marae weekend extends beyond cultural understanding. Participants left with a clearer awareness of the injustices still faced by Māori today and a renewed commitment to pursue justice as part of their Christian calling.
“I realised that I have been completely oblivious to the mistreatment of Māori people throughout New Zealand in the past and the effects of those actions on the present day and has given me more passion to learn about the history of Te Tiriti”
“It opened their eyes to the taonga we have in Te Aka Puaho and at Ōhope Marae,” reflects Matt. “We were deeply encouraged by the spark we saw in them — a passion to follow God who is reconciling all things to himself.”
With the next event already in planning, hopes are high that this gathering will continue to nurture a generation of leaders grounded in bicultural partnership, justice, faith, and whanaungatanga.
