Pōwhiri - Māori welcome
Pōwhiri or welcome ceremonies provide a special opportunity for visitors to experience Māori traditions in action.
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A pōwhiri normally takes place on a marae, or Māori meeting grounds. The marae sits at the heart of any Māori community.
The pōwhiri begins with a challenge
A pōwhiri usually begins outside the marae with a wero (challenge). A warrior from the tangata whenua (hosts) will challenge the manuhiri (guests), checking to see whether they are friend or foe. He may carry a taiaha (spear-like weapon), and will lay down a token - often a small branch - for the visitors to pick up to show they come in peace.
The call of welcome
An older woman from the host side will perform a karanga (call) to the manuhiri. This is the visitors' signal to start moving on to the marae. A woman from among the visitors will respond with her own call. Visitors walk onto the marae as a group, slowly and silently with the women in front of the men. They will pause along the way to remember their ancestors who have passed on.
Speeches and songs
Once on the marae grounds and either in front of or inside the main ancestral house, the guests and hosts take their seats facing each other. Now speeches are made – usually by the older men of the two groups. A song is sung following each speaker to support his address. After the speeches, the visitors present a koha (gift) to their hosts.
Greetings and food
To cap off formal proceedings, visitors and hosts greet each other with a hongi – the ceremonial touching of noses. After the pōwhiri, kai (food) will be shared, in keeping with the Māori tradition of manaakitanga or hospitality.
Where to see it
There are plenty of places where you can take part in a pōwhiri; here are just a few, from north to south.
Northland
- Culture North, Waitangi Treaty Grounds
- Maori living today, Paihia
Auckland
- Te Hana Te Ao Marama, one hour north of Auckland
Rotorua
Hawke's Bay
Christchurch