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Marae and Pōwhiri Basics

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Marae and Pōwhiri Basics

Marae buildings illustration

🏘️ Part 1: Marae Buildings

1. What is the main meeting house on a marae called?

Wharekai

Wharenui

Mara kai

Wharepuni

2. The wharekai is used for:

Sleeping

Meetings and ceremonies

Eating and sharing meals

Storage

3. What does the wharenui represent?
4. Match each building to its purpose by drawing lines:
Wharenui
Wharekai
Mara kai
Food gardens
Meeting house
Dining hall

🤝 Part 2: Pōwhiri Process

5. Put the pōwhiri steps in the correct order by numbering them 1-6:

____ Hongi (traditional greeting)

____ Wero (challenge)

____ Kai (sharing food)

____ Karanga (call of welcome)

____ Mihi (speeches)

____ Waiata (songs)

6. What is the purpose of the wero in a pōwhiri?

To welcome visitors with food

To challenge and test the intentions of visitors

To sing traditional songs

To give speeches

7. Who typically performs the karanga?
8. Explain why sharing kai (food) is an important part of the pōwhiri process:

🎨 Part 3: Cultural Understanding

9. Why is the marae considered the heart of Māori community life?
10. List three things you should remember when visiting a marae:

1. ________________________________

2. ________________________________

3. ________________________________

11. Draw and label a simple marae layout showing the three main buildings:

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