id: powhiri-welcoming-ceremony
title: Pōwhiri Welcoming Ceremony
description: >-
  A Māori welcoming ceremony that establishes connection and the rights of
  visitors and hosts. Originating in Aotearoa New Zealand Māori tradition,
  the powhiri follows a fixed sequence of encounters.
source: Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand
source_url: https://teara.govt.nz/en/powhiri
tags: [maori, ceremony, welcome, indigenous]
forked_from: null
image: null
steps:
  - headline: Karanga (the call)
    description: >-
      A woman from the host group performs a call of welcome; a woman from the
      visiting group responds. This acknowledges the living and the dead.
  - headline: Whaikorero (formal speeches)
    description: >-
      Speakers from each side deliver formal orations in turn, beginning with
      the hosts. Each speech is followed by a waiata (song) from that side.
  - headline: Koha (gift)
    description: >-
      The visitors present a koha — a gift or contribution — placed on the
      marae, representing reciprocity and gratitude.
  - headline: Hongi (greeting)
    description: >-
      Hosts and visitors press noses and foreheads in the hongi, symbolising
      the sharing of breath and the joining of the two groups.
outcome: >-
  Strangers become guests; the relationship between the two groups is
  formally established and acknowledged.
practice: >-
  Protocols vary by iwi (tribe) and marae — follow the local kawa. Visitors
  should arrange guidance from a local kaikaranga or kaikorero before
  attending.