Pōwhiri Tikanga Role-Play
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Pōwhiri Tikanga Role-Play
Te horopaki | The scenario
A group of Year 9 students has been invited to a local marae for a learning visit. They are the manuhiri (visitors). Before the visit, the kaiako explains that the tangata whenua (hosts) will tell them the local kawa. The students must listen carefully, stay with their group and ask respectfully if they are unsure.
Wāhanga 1 | Understand the tikanga
Use the scenario and source notes to answer.
- Every marae follows exactly the same sequence.
- Local kawa guides respectful participation and can differ between iwi and marae.
- Visitors decide which parts of the pōwhiri to change.
- Kawa is only important for the hosts.
- 1. manaakitanga
- 2. whanaungatanga
- 3. tapu
- 4. noa
- C. relationships and connection
- A. ordinary or unrestricted state
- D. restricted or sacred state
- B. hospitality and care
Wāhanga 2 | Plan the role-play
In your group, prepare a short role-play that shows visitors listening and hosts welcoming them. Use the local kawa supplied by your kaiako; do not present one sequence as universal.
- Perform every pōwhiri element in a fixed order, whether or not it fits the local kawa.
- Ask what local kawa applies, then practise only the roles and actions approved for the learning activity.
- Invent a karanga and present it as authentic for all iwi.
- Leave out explanations because the sequence is always obvious.
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