The Sydney Marae Alliance says despite pushback, progress is continuing on plans to build a marae, with about $1 million expected to be confirmed soon and construction set to begin this year.
The pūtea was announced in April last year by Labor MP Chris Bowen, who said if the Albanese Labor Government is re-elected, $1 million will be contributed to the kaupapa.
Deputy chair Louise Barber, who attended the Te Whenua Moemoeā regional competition at the weekend to promote the kaupapa, says key steps are being completed to get the build under way.
“We also have completely signed off on the lease on the whenua and gravestones with Cumberland Council. So those things. Lease first, then next is the construction certificate which gives us authority from a council perspective to actually build the facility and then we will be commencing the build this year, 2026.”