Powhiri

A Powhiri is a traditional Maori welcome.

It consists of the women performing the Karanga. This is answered by the visiting women.
When the guests have arrived inside the meeting house or particular venue, Karakia are said by the kaumatua (elders)
 Mihi are then said by the welcoming kaumatua and answered by the manuhiri(visitors)
The order in which the speeches take place varies from place to place.
Some Marae alternate the speakers between Tangata Whenua (local people) and Manuhiri, finishing with a tangata whenua, while others have all tangata whenua speakers first, the manuhiri then matching them in number.

Following the mihi the hongi is performed. Return to Whanau

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