Pōwhiri
As part of our training as stated before we have it on a marae. As part of this there is a pōwhiri at the beginning of it. A pōwhiri is the formal welcoming process.  We will gather together at the gate and then be called onto the marae by our hosts.  More details on this process will be explained when we gather, including protocols around where you stand and where you sit, who will speak when, waiata and kai. 

Pōwhiri Process

• Manuhiri should gather by the carpark by the marae

• A koha will be gathered at this time to give to the tangata whenua during the pōwhiri

• When the kaikaranga comes out onto the atea, the pōwhiri starts

• Manuhiri will be called down the steps onto the atea and in through the main door of

• Manuhiri will be invited to sit on the right-hand side of the marae as they enter with men at

the front and women behind

• A waiata is sung after each kaikōrero to support what is said

• Once the whaikōrero is finished and koha given, the manuhiri will be led along the line

of tangata whenua to harirū and hōngī.

 

Once you have been welcomed onto the marae, Please make yourself comfortable and help out when you can.
This includes:

• Helping in the kitchen to prepare kai and clean up

• Clearing tables

• Keeping the whare tidy and helping with the cleaning before we leave.

Marae Guidelines 

Please be respectful of the marae.

• Please take your shoes off before going into the wharewhakairo

• No kai is to be brought across or consumed on the marae atea or the mahau

• The marae complex and all our buildings are auahi kore (non-smoking) 

• Please do not sit on tables.

Staying overnight

Mattresses will be provided.

Please also bring:

• Small koha for the pōwhiri

• Sheets/Sleeping bag(&undersheet)/duvet/pillow

• Towels

• Personal toiletries

• Earplugs (for those light sleepers)

• Other personal items, such as medication, pyjamas and warm clothes.

If you are unsure of what to do or where to go, please ask – we are here to help!

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Waiata 

During the pōwhiri process, as the manuhiri (guests), we will sing a short waiata (song). There will be a brief opportunity to learn this before the ceremony starts, therefore, arriving at 9am will be very important. 

  

Mihimihi 

An important part of getting to know each other is sharing our mihi (introduction) This will most likely take place during the pōwhiri process. Please come with your mihi prepared. There are resources online that you should be able to find. Please get in touch if you have any questions about this. For beginners, the most basic form of a mihi is a pepeha and you could check out http://pepeha.nz/ to get you started. But don’t feel limited by this. Use people around you to build on your mihi.  

  

Staying Over 

A noho marae is a marae stay, so we will be staying overnight.  Not only is this an excellent way to immerse yourself in what it’s like to be at the marae, it has the added benefit of allowing us to maximise our learning time.  Please be aware that we will all be sleeping together in the main room of the marae.  If you have any further questions about this, please get in touch. 

  

What to Bring 

We will eat together on the marae, so we will take care of the food.  

 Make sure you bring: 

What was said above for staying overnight 
Some pens and paper for taking notes 
Water bottle  
Koha 

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Koha

Also, as part of a pōwhiri process, it is tradition for the manuhiri (guests) to present a koha (monetary gift) to the Tangata Whenua (hosts).  We are paying to stay on the Marae (hence your registration fees) so this part of the process is a representative gesture of what is traditionally done, however it is still commonplace for individuals to contribute toward this.  We will have an envelope with us when we meet in the carpark for people who are able to contribute, a small amount like $5 would be appropriate. 

  

Be ready for wānanga! 

Being on a marae is quite a privilege and we will have a rich time together getting to know each other and sharing kai. However, it will also be a very intensive learning time. Don’t bring work to do on your breaks. Be rested. Be present. Be ready to learn. 

If you are sick in the days prior, please do what you can to get well, but if you are sick on the day please stay home.  It is essential that you let me know if you are sick.