During the administration of your booking, we place an emphasis on trying our best to accommodate your request from dates, catering, venues and general needs. Please ensure that you give as much detail as possible on the booking form. If there are further details that you feel we need to know, please do include this also. As outlined in previous notes, we will send a quote for your booking. Once the quote is received, if you have questions or concerns please do contact us (Kaiawhina/Kaitiaki) so we can discuss this. Korero is the best way to remove any misunderstanding or misplaced assumptions.
The following are some questions or situations that are familiar with staying at marae:
What happens if our quoted attending numbers change once we arrive at Whakatū Marae?
The minimum number we cater for is 20 people. If numbers are lower than this we will charge for the minimum allowance. Where numbers increase in attendance, we will charge for the extra people accordingly irrespective of children or adult.
Can we self-cater?
Whakatū Marae has a restriction for self-catering hireage. We reserve this request for Iwi functions and those who have a personal affiliation with Whakatū Marae. All self-catered hui are pre-approved through the Kaituitui (having been given guidelines from the marae trust & Kaiwhakahaere).
Can we bring our own kai onto the marae?
In instances where there are special dietary needs, the caterers will attempt to meet this. Where the need is un-common and persons wish to bring their own food, yes we encourage this.
This is also acceptable when food is brought in to compliment or embellish the function at hand.
Are there Laundry facilities available for us to use?
Unfortunately there are not laundry facilities available at Whakatū Marae. We do however have a clothes line and pegs for groups. We note also that we do not have an iron or board either.
Do we need to bring our own linen?
No. All sheets and pillow cases are provided within your booking as is the laundering for this also. You will need your own towels and personal bathing items.
Is someone available to talk about the marae complex, to give a historical view perhaps?
Within your booking form, if this is something that you would like for your groups stay, please comment accordingly and we will endeavour to organise this. Please note, this is subject to hou-kainga/people of the marae being available.
Is alcohol consumption allowed at Whakatū Marae?
No. Whakatū Marae is a “dry” venue in that we do not allow for alcohol or the consumption of any mind-altering substances on any part of the complex.
What are the boundaries for smoking at Whakatū Marae?
Whakatū Marae is a smoke-free complex. This applies to all areas of the marae inclusive of the kohanga reo, the administration block.
Can Nelson whānau & friends come to the marae and visit with us during our stay?
Yes, there are protocols that we need to observe however to ensure that the kawa of our marae is intact. In the case of visitors who have not been to Whakatū marae before, a Powhiri or whakatau will need to be conducted for them. Please discuss this with the Kaitiaki in this event.
How do I report back any feedback or comments about my stay here at Whakatū Marae?
A Visitors COMMENTS book is situated in the Wharekai/Mauriora. We look forward to reading your comments and receiving positive feedback as to how we may continue or improve the service we provide.
