BUSINESS PROFILE
Marlborough venue rich with history BY SOPHIE PREECE
T
he Rangitane Cultural Centre is an architectural gem on Marlborough’s landscape, with its contemporary black cedar façade around a light-filled spacious interior. But this award-winning wedding, convention and community facility is far more than a building, say those who have spent time within it. Designed as a contemporary meeting space for the entire community, Ukaipo is named for the Māori word for nurturing, mother, or source of sustenance, and marries aspects of a traditional marae with the best of modern design, creating a space with beautiful form and superb function. Matthew Campbell, president of the New Zealand Archaeology Association, says Ukaipo is an example of living history. The association held its annual conference at the venue this year, with 130 delegates, along with Rangitane representatives on hand to assist throughout the event, whenever required. Matthew says as well as representing New Zealand and local history, with its
“The building’s cultural link was one factor in their decision to use it ...”
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displays of traditional carvings, important artefacts, and references to the repatriation of Rangitane ancestors to the Wairau Bar, the conference centre proved a modern, well set up venue with all the facilities they could require. Ukaipo was also the perfect wedding venue for Lauren and Rik Palatchie, who held their ceremony across the wide wooden deck and sweep of lawn, surrounded by stunning native gardens. Eight men issued a wero challenge to
Richard Wallace, the bride’s father, and a karanga was issued to Lauren and answered by her cousin. “We just loved it, and so did all of our guests,” she says. The building’s cultural link was one factor in their decision to use it, but they were also drawn by the modern lines, sunlit rooms and picturesque setting, all of which meant there was little for them to organise for a “stress free wedding”, she says. “And the size was perfect because we had over 100 people and they can cater for