Rangatahi Noho Marae — Presbyterian Youth Ministries

King's Birthday Weekend · 30 May – 1 June 2026

Rangatahi
Noho Marae

An immersive marae experience for Year 11–13 students from Presbyterian churches and schools across Aotearoa. Hosted at Ōhope Marae — where Te Ao Māori and Christian faith are woven together.

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.

Each school or church is invited to nominate up to 5 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 and life on a Christian marae

How Te Ao Māori and Christianity can be beautifully woven together

The emergence of Christianity among Māori and its deep history

The partnership between the Presbyterian Church and Te Aka Puaho

The Treaty of Waitangi and its ongoing significance

Leadership principles from Te Ao Māori

Event Details

Key Information

Date

30 May – 1 June 2026

King's Birthday Weekend — Saturday to Monday

Location

Te Maungarongo Marae

Ōhope Beach, Bay of Plenty — NZ's only Christian Marae

Who

Year 11–13 Students

Presbyterian churches and schools across Aotearoa

Registration Closes

21 May 2026

Early bird pricing before 4 May. Late fee after 5 May.

In 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

Read the Full Article →

Just Stories · Te Ao Māori

Rangatahi gathered inside Te Maungarongo Marae, Ōhope

Weaving Faith & Culture

An article on the Rangatahi Noho Marae in Just Stories

How young people from across Aotearoa are being transformed where Te Ao Māori and Christian faith are beautifully woven together.

Read the article →

Year 2 Tuakana Stream

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 & Apply

Registration

Event Cost

$145 Early Bird

Per person · Register before 4 May

$160 Standard

Per person · 5–21 May registrations

Registration includes accommodation on the marae (until sold out) plus all meals. Additional accommodation options available.

Getting There

Free Shuttle Bus

Tauranga Airport

Departs 1:00pm Saturday 30 May. Returns ~12:30pm Monday 1 June. Register by 15 May →

Subsidised Bus

Wellington → Ōhope

Via Marton, Tūrangi, Taupō. Departs ~6:00am Sat 30 May. Returns Mon 1 June ~9:30pm. Thanks to the Ann Sinclair Charitable Trust. Register interest →

Flight Subsidies

South Island Support

$150/person from upper South Island · $200/person from lower South Island. 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.

The Venue

About Ōhope Marae

Ōhope Marae is 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.

See it for yourself