Tikanga Māori
Tikanga are the customs and traditions that tangata Māori have kept and followed through the passages of time. It is important to follow tikanga Māori in certain circumstances not only to show your respect for the indigenous culture and people of Aotearoa but to also showcase Aotearoa's beautiful Māori culture to visitors.
Under tikanga Māori, there are two types of ceremonies for welcoming visitors a pōwhiri or mihi whakatau.
Under tikanga Māori, there are two types of ceremonies for welcoming visitors a pōwhiri or mihi whakatau.
Pōwhiri
What is a pōwhiri?
A pōwhiri is a formal ceremony used to welcome manuhiri (visitors) onto a marae.
Why is it important?
Pōwhiri is important as it signifies the coming together of two groups by removing the tapu (sacred separation) of the manuhiri making them one with the tangata whenua.
What is the pōwhiri process?
The tangata whenua (hosts/ local people) begin the welcome when the manuhiri have all assembled outside of the marae or premises. When going into the pōwhiri the manuhiri will have orgainsed their kaikaranga (caller) and their kaikōrero (speakers).
The pōwhiri begins with the karanga (welcome call) from the tangata whenua and she will be responded to by the kaikaranga from the manuhiri. The manuhiri will move onto the marae or premises and the calling will continue.
Once everyone is seated whaikōrero (speeches) are given by both tangata whenua and manuhiri. Te Reo Māori is the language used during a pōwhiri. After each speech, the speaker and their supporters will sing a waitata (song).
After the speeches the manuhiri will be invited to hongi (press noses) and harirū (shake hands) with the tangata whenua. The hongi is a sign of peace, life and well-being. Traditionally both men and women would hongi both men and woman but nowadays it is common for only men to hongi and instead a kiss on the cheek occurs between women and women and men and women.
A pōwhiri is a formal ceremony used to welcome manuhiri (visitors) onto a marae.
Why is it important?
Pōwhiri is important as it signifies the coming together of two groups by removing the tapu (sacred separation) of the manuhiri making them one with the tangata whenua.
What is the pōwhiri process?
The tangata whenua (hosts/ local people) begin the welcome when the manuhiri have all assembled outside of the marae or premises. When going into the pōwhiri the manuhiri will have orgainsed their kaikaranga (caller) and their kaikōrero (speakers).
The pōwhiri begins with the karanga (welcome call) from the tangata whenua and she will be responded to by the kaikaranga from the manuhiri. The manuhiri will move onto the marae or premises and the calling will continue.
Once everyone is seated whaikōrero (speeches) are given by both tangata whenua and manuhiri. Te Reo Māori is the language used during a pōwhiri. After each speech, the speaker and their supporters will sing a waitata (song).
After the speeches the manuhiri will be invited to hongi (press noses) and harirū (shake hands) with the tangata whenua. The hongi is a sign of peace, life and well-being. Traditionally both men and women would hongi both men and woman but nowadays it is common for only men to hongi and instead a kiss on the cheek occurs between women and women and men and women.
Mihi Whakatau
What is a mihi whakatau?
A mihi whakatau is a less formal ceremony used for welcomes and openings. It has fewer protocols than a pōwhiri and takes place away from the marae.
When to hold a mihi whakatau?
A mihi whakatau is a ceremony to welcome a person or group and is appropriate for a conference/meeting openings.
Why is it important?
Similar to the pōwhiri the mihi whakatau is important as it welcomes the manuhiri onto the land of the tangata whenua and lifts the tapu of the manuhiri and puts them under the mana (protection) of the tangata whenua.
What is the mihi whakatau process?
Manuhiri will be asked to take their seats before the ceremony begins.
A mihi whakatau commences with a speech from the kaikōrero of the tangata whenua, welcoming the manuhiri in te reo Māori which is then followed by the tangata whenua singing a waiata. The manuhiri can, but are not required to, respond to the tangata whenua in te reo Māori.
The mihi whakatau ceremony may conclude in much the same way as a pōwhiri, with a hongi to join the two groups together.
A mihi whakatau is a less formal ceremony used for welcomes and openings. It has fewer protocols than a pōwhiri and takes place away from the marae.
When to hold a mihi whakatau?
A mihi whakatau is a ceremony to welcome a person or group and is appropriate for a conference/meeting openings.
Why is it important?
Similar to the pōwhiri the mihi whakatau is important as it welcomes the manuhiri onto the land of the tangata whenua and lifts the tapu of the manuhiri and puts them under the mana (protection) of the tangata whenua.
What is the mihi whakatau process?
Manuhiri will be asked to take their seats before the ceremony begins.
A mihi whakatau commences with a speech from the kaikōrero of the tangata whenua, welcoming the manuhiri in te reo Māori which is then followed by the tangata whenua singing a waiata. The manuhiri can, but are not required to, respond to the tangata whenua in te reo Māori.
The mihi whakatau ceremony may conclude in much the same way as a pōwhiri, with a hongi to join the two groups together.
Basic Etiquette for Māori Welcome Ceremonies
- Dress formally
- Arrive on time- it is considered impolite to walk into a pōwhiri or mihi whakatau that is already underway
- Ensure cellphones are switched off or on silent
- Women walk together as a group whilst the men also group together
- Men sit at the front of the seating area provided