Powhiri - welcome on a Marae

Powhiri - welcome onto a marae (meeting house)

Traditionally, a pōwhiri begins at the waharoa (entrance to the marae), starting with an initial karanga usually conducted by the kaikaranga (women caller) who stands at the front. The manuhiri (visitors) are called on by a kaikaranga who begins the karanga, to which the manuhiri kaikaranga responds to. The manuhiri move up slowly behind the kaikaranga, until they reach the mahau (porch). The karanga will continue until the manuhiri reach the mahau of the marae.

This removes the tapu (sacredness) from the manuhiri, who are referred to as waewae tapu (sacred feet) if they are first-time visitors to that particular marae.

Wero/Waerea

A challenge that attempts to determine the intent of the manuhiri (visitors), which, once established, clears the way for the rest of the welcome ceremony. They may carry a taiaha (spear-like weapon) and will lay down a token, often a small branch, for the visitors to pick up to show they come in peace.