Yesterday morning, the Waihao marae, near Morven, was a hive of activity as preparations were made for this weekend's celebrations marking 70 years since the opening of the Centennial Memorial Hall and 25 years since it reopened.
A hangi has been prepared for tonight's evening meal, which includes 18 chickens, four legs of pork, two whole rumps, two sheep, about 40kg each of pumpkin and potatoes and 20kg of kumara.
There will also be new potatoes and peas, followed by trifle, pavlova, strawberries and ice cream.
While it was expected between about 170 and 200 people would attend, exact numbers were not known.
However, those in charge of the food were confident there would be plenty.
"No-one ever goes hungry here," organising committee chairman Graeme Lane said.
Asked what was the key to a good hangi, he said it was a trade secret, but he did let on it was important to have the stones hot.
Driftwood from the nearby beach was used as firewood.
Surrounded by farmland, the marae and Maori reserve is a 3km drive east off the state highway, just south of Waimate.
The hall has been a focal point for both Maori and Pakeha in the district and played a major part in community life.
It was also the place where local soldiers going to World War 2 were farewelled.
The hall cost 422 to build and the builder, J. Scoringe, gave 75% of his labour free.
After lying neglected for many years, it was reopened in the 1980s.
