Nanny Maraea was a staunch and well-respected matriarch, and was responsible for much of the marae's development.
[2] The marae is also known as Wallace Pā,as "Warahi" was transliterated to "Wallace" during the time when Māori people were being encouraged to take European names.The Wharenui,meeting house was Nanny Marea's own family house.The house was moved from up above on her farm and placed as part of Maniaiti Marae.Maniaiti translates to small flats,Now though many descendants of Warahi, and Chadwick and many family or whānau have other names, including Chadwick, Roderick, and Te Wano.
It is important in Māori culture to be able to show where lineage and rohe (area of origin) are located.
The Pungapunga River runs to the back of the marae and is used for swimming and catching eel in hinaki (net catchments).
Family members have been trying to raise funds to ensure the legacy of the Marae, and meeting notices are posted for gatherings to rebuild the Pā.