Photo: Layla Bailey-McDowell / RNZ

After a three-year restoration project, the 101-year-old Te Tii Marae wharenui at Waitangi has reopened its doors. 

The marae glow-up includes a paved courtyard, new carvings, and earthquake strengthening – and are just the first stage of planned renovations. 

On Monday, 300 attended a dawn service down at the marae, including politicans and iwi leaders. 

Chair of the Te Tii Marae, Ngāti Kawa, explains the significance of the whare to local hapū – and the nation.