Powhiri

The pōwhiri is a process when the host tribe welcome visitors on the marae . This was originally used when tribes would agree to have peace but now is used for many other reasons such as welcoming foreign visitors or political members.

The marae usually consists of a wharenui (meeting house) with marae ātea (courtyard) in front, a wharekai (dining hall).

Manuhiri (visitors)

The visitors to a marae who have never been there before are known as waewae tapu (sacred feet). When manuhiri have never been to a particular marae before a kaumatua (elder) in the group will often perform a protective karakia or prayer known as a waerea. Usually the group will organise their kaikaranga (caller), their kaikōrero (speakers) and collect koha (the donation) to be given to the tangata whenua. They also usually decide on the order of speakers.

Tangata whenua (hosts)

The tangata whenua are the local people. When they are welcoming a group the tangata whenua are responsible for them. They begin the welcome when the group of visitors has assembled.

Wero or taki

In modern times a wero or taki (ritual challenge) occurs when a particularly important visitor is being welcomed.

A full challenge involves three challengers, who are warriors. The rākau whakaara (warning baton) is laid down by the first challenger. After it is picked up by the honoured guest the challenger turns and returns to his people. Then the rākau takoto (baton laid down) is laid down by the second challenger, and is picked up by the guest. The third challenger kneels and lays down the rākau whakawaha (baton that clears the way), which is also picked up by the guest. This challenger then leads the party onto the marae.

Haka pōwhiri

When the manuhiri are being welcomed onto the marae, the host people will sometimes welcome them with a haka pōwhiri (ritual action chant).

Whaikōrero

Whaikōrero (speeches) are given by both hosts and visitors on the marae.

Waiata

At the conclusion of each speech the speaker and a number of supporters will sing a waiata (song). Often these are traditional waiata.

Koha

The koha is a gift by the manuhiri to the tangata whenua. It is usually placed on the ground by the final speaker from the manuhiri. Once the speaker is seated, someone from the tangata whenua will pick it up.

Harirū and hongi

At the conclusion of the formal proceedings the manuhiri will be invited to come and hongi (press noses) and harirū (shake hands) with the tangata whenua.

Hākari

The pōwhiri will conclude with a hākari (feast), which lifts the tāpu (sacredness) of the pōwhiri.

Mihimihi

Later on in the day the iwi will start the mihimihi process inside the wharenui. A mihimihi or mihi is a speech where people introduce themselves and share their background such as their ancestral ties. The process is started by a karakia done by the tangata whenua. The mihimihi will begin with the tangata whenua and then move around to the manuhiri.