About the Event
Two days of fun, food, faith & leadership
We invite Year 11–13 students from Presbyterian Churches and Church Schools to join us for an immersive marae stay. Hosted by Te Aka Puaho, the Presbyterian Church Schools Resource Office, and the PYM Youth Leaders Network and the University of Otago.
Each school or church is invited to nominate up to 12 Year 11–13 students. Ideally students are accompanied by a youth leader, chaplain, or teacher — please contact us if you're unable to arrange this.
What you'll explore
Tikanga Māori
Life on a Christian marae, and the customs that shape it.
Faith & Culture
How Te Ao Māori and Christianity can be beautifully woven together.
Our Story
The emergence of Christianity among Māori and its deep history.
Partnership
The partnership between the Presbyterian Church and Te Aka Puaho.
Te Tiriti
The Treaty of Waitangi and its ongoing significance.
Leadership
Leadership principles drawn from Te Ao Māori.
Event Details
Key Information
Date
Sat 5 – Mon 7 June 2027
King's Birthday Weekend
Location
Te Maungarongo Marae, Ōhope Beach, Bay of Plenty — one of NZ's only Christian Marae
Who
Year 11–13 students, Presbyterian churches and schools across Aotearoa
Registration Closes
28 May 2027
Earlybird closes 12 May 2027.
Year 2 Tuakana Stream
Step into leadership
Returning students can apply for the Tuakana Stream — offering new teaching content that builds on the Year 1 experience, plus opportunities to step into leadership roles during the event. We have 20 spots available.
Learn More & ApplyIn the News
Read what happened
Check out this article on the Rangatahi Noho Marae in Just Stories — how young people from across Aotearoa are being transformed at Ōhope Marae, where Te Ao Māori and Christian faith are beautifully woven together.
"This experience has made me feel more connected to my peers, my faith and my Māori culture."
— A rangatahi participant
Just Stories · Te Ao Māori
Weaving Faith & Culture
Registration
Event Cost
Earlybird
$160 Per Person
Register by the 12th of May to secure the earlybird rate.
Standard
$175 Per Person
Applies after the earlybird period closes.
Registration includes accommodation on the marae (until sold out) plus all meals. Additional accommodation options available.
Registration closes 28 May 2027. Earlybird closes 12 May 2027.
Getting There
Travel & Transport
Free Shuttle Bus
Tauranga Airport
Shuttle running to and from Tauranga Airport over the weekend. A free shuttle service will leave Tauranga Airport at 1:00pm on Saturday the 5th of June and return to the Airport by approximately 12:30pm on Monday the 7th of June.
Register for the shuttle →Subsidised Bus
Wellington → Ōhope
Thanks to the generous support of the Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust, we're able to provide a $40pp (approx) bus from Wellington Central to Ōhope Marae. Departs Queen Margaret College 6:00am Saturday the 5th of June. Stops: Bulls 8:00am · Taihape 9:30am · Taupō 10:55am. Arrives Ōhope ~2:05pm. Returns Monday 7th June, arrives Wellington ~7:50pm.
If you live near this route, we'd love you to register your interest here. Please note that the exact route, timetable, and seating capacity are still being finalised. Please register your interest ASAP and by the 15th of May at the latest.
Register for the bus →Flight Subsidies
South Island Support
$150/person from upper South Island · $200/person from Otago and Southland, thanks to the generous support of the Synod of Otago and Southland. Send flight confirmation to matt@pym.org.nz
Carpool Reimbursement
Drive Together
$100 per vehicle for groups of 4+ travelling 300km+. $150 for 400km+. Multiples apply for larger vehicles. Submit fuel receipts on arrival.
Key contacts and further pick-up location details will be confirmed once the Wellington bus route is finalised.
Our Thanks
Proudly Supported By
Anne Sinclair Trust
We're grateful for the generous support of the Anne Sinclair Trust in making this event possible.
University of Otago — Theology Department
Proud supporters of this event.
Visit the Theology Department →The Venue
About Ōhope Marae
Ōhope Marae is one of New Zealand's only Christian Marae, built in partnership with the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa NZ and Te Aka Puaho, the PCANZ's Māori Synod. The tikanga of the marae is Christian — here manuhiri (guests) will experience the Christian Faith expressed through Māori culture.
The marae is situated at Ōhope Beach immediately behind Ōhope Christian Camp. It offers catered meals but is unable to ensure complete allergen safety for those with severe food allergies. Please discuss dietary needs with us.
Contact Us to DiscussSee it for yourself
Highlight Videos
Rangatahi Noho Marae — 2025 Highlights
2024 Highlights
"This experience has made me feel more connected to my peers, my faith and my Māori culture." — A rangatahi participant
Ready to join us at Ōhope?
Registration closes 28 May 2027. Earlybird closes 12 May 2027. Spaces on the marae are limited, so register your group early.
Register NowQuestions? Contact matt@pym.org.nz