During the 2020 coronavirus lockdown, Te Whānau-ā-Apanui set up road checkpoints to monitor and restrict travel into and through Hāwai.[3] The restrictions were supported by Ōpōtiki District Council and New Zealand Police.[4] According to The Guardian, the checkpoints operated 24 hours a day, unlike checkpoints set up by other iwi in other settlements.[5]
The restrictions lasted 47 days, from 12pm on 25 March until the delivery of a karakia at 12pm on 11 May.[6][7]
Te Whānau-ā-Apanui also set up initiatives during the lockdown to ensure elderly residents of Hāwai had access to essentials.[8]
Maraenui Marae is a meeting place for the hapū of Te Whānau a Hikarukutai; its meeting house is called Te Iwarau.
Tunapahore Marae is a meeting place for the hapū of Te Whānau a Haraawaka; its meeting house is called Haraawaka.[1][9]
Education
Te Kura Mana Maori Maraenui is a co-educational Māori language immersion state primary school for Year 1 to 8 students,[10] with a roll of 50 as of November 2024.[11]
