Hotunui

Hotunui is a fully carved Māori meeting house (wharenui) located at the Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland, New Zealand. It is considered a significant example of traditional Māori art and architecture.

Originally built in 1878 in the Thames district for the Ngāti Maru iwi (tribe), Hotunui served as a communal gathering place for important tribal discussions, celebrations, and ceremonies. Carved by renowned master carvers under the direction of Te Paea Hinerangi, the house is adorned with intricate carvings depicting ancestral figures, mythical creatures, and significant events in the history of Ngāti Maru. These carvings are not merely decorative; they serve as a visual record of the iwi's whakapapa (genealogy) and cultural heritage.

In the 1920s, the house was offered to the Auckland War Memorial Museum to ensure its preservation and accessibility to a wider audience. The relocation involved a complex process of dismantling and reassembling the structure within the museum.

Hotunui stands as a powerful symbol of Māori culture and artistry. It offers visitors a tangible connection to the past and provides a space for learning about and appreciating the richness of Māori traditions. The meeting house continues to be used for educational purposes, cultural performances, and welcoming ceremonies, preserving its function as a living cultural treasure. The mana (prestige) of the house remains strong, reflecting the skill of its creators and the enduring importance of Māori cultural heritage.