whare

Whare is the Māori word for a house or building. In te reo Māori, it denotes a dwelling or structure, and in New Zealand English it is used to refer to a home or building in a way that foregrounds Māori language and culture. The term can describe a private residence, a public building, or any constructed shelter, depending on context.

On a marae, whare structures have specific names and roles. The most prominent is the wharenui, the meeting house, usually a long timber building richly carved and painted. Its interior carvings, tukutuku lattice panels, and kowhaiwhai patterns symbolize genealogies, ancestors, and tribal history. The wharenui is the venue for speeches, ceremonies, and gatherings, and it embodies the mana and history of the iwi or hapū.

Other buildings on a marae include the whare kai (dining hall) and the whare karakia (place of prayer). The term whare tupuna or te whare tangata may appear in references to ancestral or sacred houses. Traditional construction emphasizes native timbers such as totara, with carved posts and woven adornments that reflect regional styles and whakapapa.

In everyday speech, whare literally means "house" and appears in numerous compound terms, such as whare kai, whare wānanga (place of learning), and whare tipuna. The word is widely understood in New Zealand and remains a central element of the Māori lexicon integrated into national discourse.