Puketeraki Marae is a place of great significance for Kiri Walsh and now she has married her partner Lesley Donner there in what was the first same-sex marriage at the site.
Mrs Walsh, who grew up in the surrounding Karitane area, said the marae was ''hugely important'' to her.
''It's home. I am part of the marae and the marae is part of me.''
She said Maori culture was ''generally accepting'' of same sex marriage.
''We are becoming accustomed to it. In the old days it wouldn't be the thing to do, though.''
The wedding celebrated both traditional Maori culture and modern ideas of marriage, she said.
The pair were welcomed on to the marae with a traditional Maori karanga in front of about 100 friends and family.
Same-sex marriage became legal in New Zealand in 2013. Both families were ''very supportive'' of the pair, who met six months ago.
Mrs Donner said it was important that the wedding was being held at the marae because it showed care for the person she loves.
''If a place is significant for someone you care about, then it is significant for you too.
''It's also important for her family and keeping their culture alive,'' Mrs Donner said.
