A pōwhiri is a formal Māori welcome that brings haukāinga (hosts) and manuhiri (visitors) together. It moves participants from tapu (a sacred state) to noa (an everyday state), preparing everyone for the kaupapa (purpose or occasion) ahead.
Key points for the pōwhiri
- All delegates will meet at Paterson Park, across the road from the marae before entering.
- Please make sure your mobile is switched off. No photography or filming is allowed.
- You will not be able to eat or drink during the process.
- Women should be positioned at the front of the group as we are walking onto the marae
- Men should be seated at the front of the group when guided to sit
- There will be speeches, and after each speech, there will be a waiata (song). Speakers will be arranged prior
- At the conclusion of all speeches, you will be invited to come and hongi (press noses) and harirū (shake hands) with the haukāinga (hosts).
- The pōwhiri will conclude with some food and drink in the Wharekai (dining room).
- Follow the guidance of the group leader if you don’t know what to do
Waiata
A waiata (song) is sung after each kaikōrero (speaker) has finished.
Te Aroha
Lyrics:
Te aroha – love
Te whakapono – faith
Me te rangimarie – peace
Tātou tātou e – to all.
Hongi
The hongi is our traditional greeting and is literally the sharing of breath.
Our tips for hongi are:
- move slowly to avoid head butting
- remove hats and glasses if possible
- start by shaking hands
- don’t be alarmed if your partner comes in for a second press as a double press is the custom of some iwi (tribes)
- kissing on the cheek is also appropriate. Many women kiss on the cheek rather than hongi.