Powhiri

We have been learning about the powhiri proces because we are going to the Arahura marae. I had to use my writing skills to show my knowledge about Maori culture and the powhiri process. Here is my writing. 

The powhiri is a welcome to the Marae  

 

1. The wero 

The wero is a challenge performed by the hosts. The fastest warriors would run out to meet the visitors. The warrior will place a leaf or a stick  on the ground. If the visitors turn their back they want war if they pick up the object and keep looking at them they come in peace. Now days this is rarely performed, mostly only performed for special guests. 

 

2. The karanga  

The karanga is a call done by a female host. It is a signal to say you are now allowed in the marae. The whakaeke responds  to the karanga  and leads the group on to the marae. Sometimes  the tangata whenua will do a chant or a dance.  

 

3. Whaikorero 

 Inside the marae the men will make a speech and the the manuhiri's last speaker will place a gift. The tangata whenua's speaker will then pick up the gift. At the end the group do their waiata. They mostly talk about history,  the past,  and about the day. 

 

4. Hongi  

After the speech is made they all press noses and shake hands. This shows the unity and breath of life. The manuhiri will form a line and move a long the tangata whenua line.  

 

5. Kai  

After the hongi the visitors are taken in to the dining room and a person from tangata whenua will say a karakia and then they  serve the  food.  

  

6. Poroporoiki  

At the end of visit the manuhiri say what they enjoyed and thank the hosts for their hospitality. The manuhiri may do a waiata to fare well their hosts. The tangata whenua speak and finish with the karakia.