How did marae across Tamaki Makaurau respond to the COVID-19 pandemic? Toitu Nga Marae is based on interviews with leaders of ten marae. Dr Kimiora Raerino (Ngati Awa, Te Arawa) finds out how they dealt with the challenges – the waves of COVID-19 outbreaks and the lockdowns, restrictions and illness – and how they were able to get healthy food to the community, care for isolated whanau and organise vaccination centres. They did all this while confronting the loss happening throughout Aotearoa. One thing is clear: the huge challenges were difficult and often painful, but marae actions proved successful by taking a responsive and community-based approach.