PŌWHIRI

On arrival at Te Mahurehure Marae it is customary protocol that a Pōwhiri (Māori greeting and welcome) be performed for our guests.

The Pōwhiri

This is the ritual ceremony of encounter. Traditionally the process served to discover whether the visiting party were friend or foe, and so its origins lay partly in military necessity. As the ceremony progressed, and after friendly intent was established, it became a formal welcoming of guests (manuhiri) by the hosts (tangata whenua). It can start with the karanga, the high pitched voices of women from both sides, calling to each other to exchange information to begin to establish intent and the purpose of the visit. It is said that the kaikaranga (callers) between them weave a mat laid upon Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) binding the two sides together, and protecting her from the men who will verbally, and perhaps physically, joust with each other.

The Mihi

Otherwise known as the exchange of greetings by the (usually male) orators from both sides. The oratory is much prized. An expert will display his knowledge of whakapapa (genealogy and history) mythology, and his mastery of language, rhetoric and dramatic presentation.

During whaikōrero (speech making) links between the ancestors and the living are made, and genealogical links between tāngata whenua and manuhiri are emphasised.

The kaupapa or purpose of the occasion will be discussed, and perhaps general present day issues and concerns might be aired. Each speech is followed by the performance of a waiata (song), or sometimes a haka (dance), by the orator's support group. The quality of the performance is a matter of critical concern, and reflects on the orator, and the orator's party. At the completion of their speeches the manuhiri will present a koha to the tāngata whenua.

Hongi and Kai

The manuhiri then move across the marae to hongi with the tāngata whenua. The hongi is a gentle pressing of noses, and signifies the mingling together of the sacred breath of life, and the two sides become one. The pōwhiri concludes with a karakia (blessing) before the sharing of kai (food) called hakari, which removes the tapu or sacredness from the manuhiri which concludes the formalities of a pōwhiri. As in all cultures, the sharing of food also signifies a binding together.