Michael and LaToya Piggott.
Photographer: Virginia Woolf
Mārahau holds a special significance for our whānau, tracing our connection back to the arrival of our tūpuna in Te Tauihu in the early 1800s. Originally part of the wider papakāinga, the land and foreshore area at Mārahau was reserved for the benefit of the Māori customary owners as part of the Nelson Tenths’ Estate in 1845. The land at Mārahau was vested in Wakatū in 1977 and has been managed by the Committee of Management (the Wakatū Board) on behalf of the Owners ever since.
Nestled at the southern gateway of the Abel Tasman National Park, where the land meets the sea, our Mārahau whenua provides space for Wakatū whānau to camp and offers exclusive access to a private beach. Additionally, Haumoana (our bach) is also available to whānau to book.
Looking after our whenua is Michael (Ngāti Rārua, Te Ātiawa) and Toya Piggott (Waikato) who were appointed as our new Mārahau Kaitiaki earlier this year. Sharing a mutual love for the moana and whenua, as well as a back-to-basics approach to life, the couple jumped at the chance to become the new Kaitiaki when the role became available.
“We’re excited to take on this role,” says the pair.
“We have a love for the moana, our whenua and we look forward to welcoming whānau back this summer.
Before stepping into their roles, Mārahau was already a special place for the pair. It was where their whānau would picnic, play on the beach, swim, flounder and collect cockles. Toya says the moana was their connection, and the peacefulness of Mārahau reminded her of Kāwhia.
“It uniquely looks like Kāwhia moana, which I believe is why our people came here and settled when they left Kāwhia because it was similar to where they had come from.”
When asked what they’re passionate about, Toya speaks of her love for mahi toi, the art of creating with her hands. Whether it's cultivating native trees and rongoā (traditional Māori medicine) to nurture the land or growing kai (food) for their family, her creativity finds expression in the natural world. Michael, on the other hand, is passionate about fishing, gardening and being able to share sustainable living practices with whānau.
Mārahau has limited facilities says both Michael and Toya “staying on the whenua is a back-to-basics lifestyle so come with what you need to be relaxed and comfortable.” There’s no power, no cooking facilities, no showers, but there will be port-a-loos available. At Mārahau you have the opportunity to step away from the hustle and bustle and immerse yourself in nature, which is part of the magic of the place.
If you’ve never been to Mārahau, Toya and Michael invite you to come and experience our beautiful whenua for yourself. Here, whānau can expect to reconnect with their loved ones, rediscover themselves, and forge a bond with the moana and whenua.
Whānau can camp at Mārahau or book Haumoana (our bach) throughout the year – all you need is a Expression of interest (EOI) which you can download from our website. Summer is a popular time and there is a limit to the number of whānau who can be on the whenua, as such EOI for the summer camping season must be in by December 10.
You can apply to camp on the whenua here and book Haumoana here.