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Introduction to Pōwhiri

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Introduction to Pōwhiri

Read the short guide, then complete the activities. Pōwhiri practices differ between marae and iwi; follow the guidance of the tangata whenua when attending one. Word bank: manuhiri, hongi, kai, karanga, whaikōrero, manaakitanga, waiata, wero.

A pōwhiri: welcoming visitors

A pōwhiri is a formal Māori welcome. It takes place on a marae or in another setting, and its exact form varies. The welcome brings hosts and manuhiri together to meet, acknowledge relationships and establish a respectful connection. Tangata whenua are the local people of a place; at a pōwhiri, they are the hosts. Manuhiri means visitors. A karanga is a ceremonial call, traditionally led by women, that guides the welcome. A wero may be performed in some pōwhiri; it is a challenge and acknowledgement, not a competition. Whaikōrero are formal speeches, and waiata may support a speech. A hongi, when appropriate, is a greeting in which people gently touch noses. Kai may be shared after the formal welcome. Manaakitanga means showing care and hospitality. Whanaungatanga is about relationships and belonging. Tikanga (customs and protocols) vary, so visitors should listen and follow the hosts’ instructions.

Check your understanding

1.In the guide, who are the tangata whenua? Choose the best answer.

The visitors being welcomed
The local people hosting the welcome
People who lead every waiata
People who provide the kai

2.Match each kupu with its meaning.

manuhiri
karanga
whaikōrero
manaakitanga

formal speeches
visitors
ceremonial call
care and hospitality

3.True or false: Every pōwhiri follows exactly the same steps in the same order.

TrueFalse

4.A visitor hears a karanga during a pōwhiri. What is the karanga, and what role does it play?

5.Complete the sentence using the word bank: manuhiri, hongi, kai. The are the visitors.

6.Complete the sentence using the word bank: hongi, kai. A may be a greeting where people gently touch noses.

7.Complete the sentence using the word bank: kai. may be shared after the formal welcome.

8.A group has arrived as visitors. Give two respectful actions they could take during a pōwhiri, based on the guide.

9.Explain one way a pōwhiri can build whanaungatanga between hosts and visitors.

10.A new group is visiting a marae. Write one thoughtful question they could ask their hosts beforehand to learn about the local tikanga.

11.The guide names several parts that may feature in a pōwhiri: karanga, wero, whaikōrero, waiata, hongi and kai. Choose any three and describe their roles. Remember, not every pōwhiri includes every part.