Tieke Marae is a Parks Board Hut with a difference. It is currently the centre of a Maori land claim. The local Maori have occupied the site and built a canvas city. Visitors are the sole occupants of the hut but are expected to obey Marae protocol. This includes being welcomed onto the Marae and joining the locals for a meal. Koha ( a gift) is expected in return.

It was an interesting evening with many and varied discussions. Life appears very isolated - until you realise supplies are ordered by cell phone and delivered by jet boat! A generator supplied light to the dining area although food is cooked over a fire.

Once again the Hut is a short, uphill, walk from the river. Hurricane Bola threatened it's very existence. (A week after the storm mud covered the grass area). Camping was out that year as too many camp sites had been either washed away or covered in mud.

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