NAU MAI, HAERE MAI

Welcome to Te Rūnanga o Waihao

MO TO MAHI I TE MANA MO O TATOU MARAE.

A place for Waihao whānau to connect with our marae, our whakapapa, our people and the mahi of the Rūnanga.

Dead snake caught in a black net, lying in tall dry grass with some green plants nearby.

Waihao is our tūrangawaewae

The name Waihao comes from the Waihao River and the hao, or shortfin eel, that has long been gathered there as mahinga kai.


For generations, the river, Wainono and the surrounding whenua have sustained our people and shaped our connection to this place.

Te Runanga o Waihao brings whānau together, represents the interests of Waihao and supports the aspirations of our people now and into the future.

Find what you need

Register with Waihao

Whakapapa to one of the Kaumatua listed in the 1848 census? Register as a member of Te Runanga o Waihao and stay connected with your whānau.

Access whānau resources, information, opportunities and support available through Te Rūnanga o Waihao.

For Whānau

Visit & Book

Learn more about Waihao Marae, visitor information, available facilities and how to make a booking enquiry.

Log in to access member-only documents, applications, reimbursements, policies and booking tools.

Whānau Login

About Waihao

Our people. Our place. Our story.

Waihao whānau whakapapa to Waitaha, Rapuwai, Hawea, Kāti Mamoe and Kāi Tahu.

Our connections reach through the Waihao River, Wainono, the Waitaki and inland towards the Main Divide. At the centre of these connections is Waihao Marae - a place where whānau gather, knowledge is shared and our relationship with those who came before us continues.

Four people standing outside a building with beige siding, smiling at the camera. The group includes two men with short gray or dark hair, a woman with blonde hair and sunglasses, and a religious woman with a cross necklace and glasses. The building has signs, one indicating an aahliite pharmacy and another for a first aid kit.

Our Rūnanga

Working together for Waihao

Te Rūnanga o Waihao provides leadership and representation for Waihao whānau.

The Rūnanga supports the marae, represents Waihao interests and provides a way for whānau to come together and pursue shared aspirations. Its work is guided by Rūnanga members and carried out by the Board, representatives, committees and operations team.

People standing in a room with a table set with water bottles and glasses, with some food towards the back of the room, during a gathering or meeting.

Mātauraka & Kaupapa

Sharing knowledge across generations

Our mātauraka connects us with our whakapapa, whenua, waterways and one another.

Through education, environmental initiatives and whānau kaupapa, Waihao continues to share knowledge and strengthen the connections that will support future generations.

Pānui & Events

Stay up to date with the latest news, notices, hui and events from across Waihao.

Latest Pānui

Upcoming Events

A small white building labeled 'Centennial Memorial Hall' with a green door and windows, surrounded by a grassy lawn, bushes, trees, and a clear blue sky.

Waihao Marae

Waihao Marae is located on Māori Road in Morven, between Timaru and Oamaru.

The marae is a place for whānau, hui, learning, celebration and remembrance. Its facilities are also available for meetings and functions for groups of up to 120 people, with catering available.

Learn more about visiting Waihao Marae or make an enquiry about your upcoming hui or event.