4 Sep 2013

Recognition for multi-cultural marae

6:42 am on 4 September 2013

A multi-cultural marae has been recognised for its community work, including caring for refugees during the Christchurch earthquake.

Dunedin's Araiteuru Marae has received a Human Rights Commission diversity award.

Opened in 1980 in the central city, the facilities are used by a range of community groups and maata waka - Maori who don't affiliate to the local iwi. It also supports the resettlement of new migrants and refugees.

Marae chair Tom Duff says the marae has many functions, including tackling violence and bullying. As well, it hosted refugees who became a "bit freaky" after the Christchurch earthquake, he says.