Before the construction of the Tūtāmure wharenui, an earlier manuka and nikau house with earth floor, called Ruatākena, stood on the marae slightly to the east of the current wharenui.

In March 1901, and after 400 pounds were raised, the Tūtāmure wharenui was built featuring a carved koruru, amo, raparapa and a carved head standing in the centre of the porch where the original paetapu once stood. The whare inside is panelled with plain poupou and fluted lining in the ceiling while at the base of each rafter, expressive colourful paintings tell the history of the whare and Ngāti Rua hapū

Renovations on Tūtāmure started in 1984 where the entire whare was elevated and completely restored. The source of funding came from the Ringatū church which was gathered from Orangipakakino. The tipuna who contributed donations at that time were Tuakana Charles Frederick Leggett, Tu Pene, Amoamo Te Riaki, Himiona Kahika and others. There were “contributions by the young people of Ngāti Rua living and working in the cities. All the labour was supplied voluntarily by Ngāti Rua working in their holidays” and whenever they could.

The wharenui has a large mahau at the front and is approximately 15 metres long, 7 metres wide and sleeps 40 people.

Source: Journal of the Polynesian Society ; Ngāti Rua, Te Whakatōhea Booklet