Photo: RNZ/ Pokere Paewai

As the 25 January celebrations wind down on Sunday, the community at Rātana Pā, south of Whanganui, is preparing for renovations to Manuao, one of its most important buildings.

The large building complex at the centre of the community is used as a dining hall and accommodation among many other uses.

Project lead Talia Anderson-Town told RNZ as someone born and bred at Rātana Pā, it's an exciting time.

"The community is very excited about what's happening. You know, we have our temepara (temple) where we get our spiritual enlightenment, and for the Manuao it's where we get our physical enlightenment."

Photo: RNZ/ Pokere Paewai

Rātana received $10.1 million from the government's Regional Infrastructure Fund for the renovations, which Anderson-Town said they are t

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