The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand has proposed a funding package of approximately $2.4 billion to support marae across the country [1].
This proposal seeks to formalize the role of marae as essential community hubs. By providing substantial financial backing, the party aims to expand the services these traditional meeting grounds can offer to their local populations.
Co-leader Marama Davidson said the investment is necessary to recognize the long-term contributions of these sites. The proposed funding ranges from $2.4 billion [1] to $2.44 billion [2], according to different reports.
"This funding recognises that marae have been critical infrastructure for a long, long time, and supports marae to do even more," Davidson said [1].
The party describes marae as critical infrastructure. This designation suggests that these sites provide vital social and logistical support that the government should actively sustain through a dedicated trust.
Under the proposal, the funding would enable marae to enhance their capacity for community service. The Green Party argues that strengthening these centers allows them to better serve as focal points for cultural preservation, and social welfare — roles they have historically filled without consistent state funding.
“"This funding recognises that marae have been critical infrastructure for a long, long time"”
This proposal represents a strategic move by the Green Party to integrate indigenous community structures into the national infrastructure framework. By framing marae as 'critical infrastructure,' the party is attempting to shift the perception of these sites from purely cultural or religious centers to essential public service providers, which would justify large-scale, permanent government expenditure.
