Powhiri Process

Powhiri Process

Powhiri

The pōwhiri (or pōhiri) is a process whereby the host people welcome visitors on the marae.

The marae usually consists of a wharenui (meeting house) with marae ātea (courtyard) in front, a wharekai (dining hall) and an ablutions block with toilets and showers.

Tangata Whenua (Hosts)

The tangata Whenua are usally local people. When they are welcoming new peoiple on top their land they get them to all gather together at the meeting point which is usally at the front of the building they are going in to.

Manuhiri (Guests)

The visitors to a marae who have never been there before are known as waewae tapu (sacred feet). Distant visitors are known as manuhiri tūārangi (visitors from afar). 

Karanga

In many cases, there will be no wero (challenge) and the pōwhiri will begin with the karanga or call. A kaikaranga (caller) from the tangata whenua will begin to call.

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

A waiata(song) is ussally after each speech to back up the speaker. It is often a traditional waiata.

Koha

The Koha is gift that is given  from the manuhiri to the tangata whenua. It is usually placed on the ground by the last speaker of the manuhiri. Once the speaker finishes speaking, someone from the tangata whenua will pick it.

Hongi

                       

At the end of a formal proceeding the manuhiri will be invited to come and honji(press nose) and  harirū (shake hands) with the tangata whenua. After European settlement, the kiss was introduced, and instead of a hongi men and women would kiss other women.

Hākari

At the end of a powhiri they will end with a hakari (feast) which will release the tapu (sacredness) off the powhiri.