Tuahiwi Marae visit

Our St Francis of Assisi staff spent the day at Tuahiwi Marae, in Kaiapoi, as part of our professional development. Our day began with a Pōwhiri. We were welcomed as visitors (manuhiri) onto the marae. You do not just visit a marae, you need to be welcomed on. There are many aspects that need to be considered when doing so. Women group together and walk on behind the leader. The men are grouped separately and also walk together, behind the women. Our preparation for the pōwhiri was to ensure we had a kaikaranga (caller) and kaikōrero (speakers) as well as a koha (donation/ gift) to be given to the Tangata whenua. 

The pōwhiri began with the karanga or call of welcome. The kaikaranga from the Tangata whenua began to call and she was responded to by a kaikaranga from the manuhiri. As manuhiri, we then moved onto the marae and the calling continued. Next we listened to Whaikōrero (speeches) of welcome and greetings by the hosts and representatives from our visiting group. We participated in singing traditional Waiata at the conclusion of each speech. Participating in Waiata showed support for the speaker. Following this a koha was placed on the ground, from a manuhiri representative and received from a member of the Tangata whenua. Traditionally koha were things like specialities from your area: crafts and delicacies. Today cash is a more appropriate gift. Concluding the formal proceedings there is a hongi: pressing noses. Today we shook hands due to recent health concerns with the Coronavirus. We concluded the pōwhiri with Kai (food). This is perceived to increase the tāpu (sacredness) of the pōwhiri.

We spent the rest of the day learning and practising our personal Mihimihi (introductory speech) as well as familiarising ourselves with the history of Tuahiwi and the tikanga connected to this marae: traditions, customs and etiquette associated with Tuahiwi.

It was a day of learning and growth. While we were predominately exposed to maori etiquette for Tuahiwi, it is important to note there are similarities between different marae's and also differences. Therefore we need to ask questions in order to show respect for what might be different.