The next phase of the powhiri involves the mihi and whaikorero, formal greetings exchanged between host and visitor.
On a marae (tribal meeting place), kawa (tribal protocol) will determine the order in which greetings are delivered - whether it be tu atu, tu mai, a speaker from the host's side first, alternating with a speaker from the visitor's side; or paeke, speaker after speaker from the host's side before passing over to speakers on the visitor's side.
| Oratory is an important part of life on the marae. |
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On the Waitangi National Trust estate, as with all marae within the tribal boundaries of Nga Puhi, mihi are conducted by the men and usually delivered by kaumatua (elders).
This phase is a very formal part of the powhiri. The hosts consider each visitor as sacred, according them all the rights that their position demands. As a visitor, you are expected to act in a dignified manner, for Maori accept your physical presence as representing all your ancestors. It is considered rude to show disinterest during these proceedings, walk in front of a speaker or talk over someone delivering their mihi.
There is a saying 'Ko te whaikorero, te kai a te Rangatira - Oratory is the food of Chiefs'. Traditionally, Maori was an oral culture and, before literacy, Maori maintained knowledge through oratory and the spoken word. This required an incredible memory to enable details to be passed accurately from one generation to the next.
Today, as it was in former times, the arts of whaikorero and mihi are greatly revered. A good speaker will have both visitors and hosts in the palm of his hand, laughing or crying.
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