Sixth International Indigenous Librarians' Forum

Māku Anō e Hanga Tōku Nei Whare: Determining our Future

Cultural Practices - Processes

It is expected that visitors (manuwhiri) to our place, Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa will attend the formal welcome (pōwhiri) to be held on Sunday 1 February at 9:30am. This is our opportunity to show our generosity and to ensure that your stay with us will be an enjoyable experience.

Pōwhiri - Welcome Process

The pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcome that can happen on a marae or anywhere that hosts (tangata whenua) need to formally greet a group of visitors.
Te Reo Māori (Māori language) is usually the language used during pōwhiri. While the parts of a pōwhiri may vary according to the occasion and the tribal area, Māori language remains a key feature. The basic process of pōwhiri involves the following six steps:

Karanga may be described as a unique form of female oratory in which women bring a range of imagery and cultural expression to the first articulation of Māori language in the welcome.
Whaikōrero or formal speech-making follows the karanga. Some of the best Māori language orations are given during pōwhiri when skilled speakers craft the language into a series of verbal images. The protocols for whaikōrero during the welcome are determined by the kawa (practices) of the marae or by the local iwi (tribe) if the welcome is not held on a marae.
A waiata or song is sung after each whaikōrero by the group the orator represents. It is common to hear older, more traditional waiata during the welcome.
Koha - a gift, generally an envelope of money, is laid on the ground by the last speaker for the manuwhiri (visitors). A local kuia (female elder) may karanga as an expression of thanks. A male from the tangata whenua will pick up the koha.
Hongi - the pressing of noses signifies the joining together of tangata whenua and manuwhiri. Tangata whenua (the host people) invite the manuwhiri to come forward to shake hands (hariru) and hongi.
Hākari - the feast, a meal is then shared. This usually signifies the end of the pōwhiri.

Parts have been retrieved from http://www.korero.maori.nz/about/index.html

Need to know:

It is important to arrive before the Pōwhiri is scheduled to start
Dress appropriately: women in a black dress or skirt; men in black trousers, suitable shirt and/or jacket; as pōwhiri is a ceremonial occasion
Turn cell phones and pagers off
Do not partake food, drink, and, smoking during the welcome process
The first row of seats are held for the speakers and male elders
Women sit behind the row of men and will stand beside the speaker to do a waiata once he has finished his speech
Leave all personal belongings (except valuables) in the car until the conclusion of pōwhiri
In some cases at this ceremonial occasion visitors may be accorded oratory rights which allows a speech to be made in ones own indigenous language.

Mihimihi - Informal introductory process

This refers to the introductory speeches which take place at the beginning of a gathering or meeting after the more formal pōwhiri. Mihimihi are generally in Māori language and can be given by both males and females and, occur in the whare nui (traditional carved house) or a space and place where visitors are accommodated.

The purpose of mihimihi is to establish links with other people present. It involves individuals introducing themselves by sharing their whakapapa (genealogy, ancestral ties) and other relevant information.

Mihimihi can vary in length depending on the reason for the gathering, how well the individuals at the hui (gathering) know each other and their links to one another. The basic process of mihimihi involves the following steps:

One is expected to stand when introducing themselves - this allows ones voice to be projected out and heard by everyone at the gathering
Recite the tribe or people you belong to; naming geographical features associated with your tribal area including maunga (mountain), awa (river), moana (sea). They may also identify waka (ancestral canoe), hapū (sub tribe), iwi (tribe), marae and sometimes an eponymous ancestor, your name. This information is considered more important than the individual's own name which accordingly may be the last piece of information disclosed during a mihimihi.
This is an opportunity for YOU to stand and shine in your own light
If you wish, a waiata (song) maybe sung, or a poem can be recited at the end of your introduction

Need to know:

Never sit on tables or pillows
Permission must be given before using cameras and tape recorders

Poroporoakī - Farewell Process

The poroporoakī or farewell speeches is initiated by the manuwhiri and signals the conclusion of the hui (gathering). This is an informal time for the visitors/guests to show appreciation, express opinions relating to the hui and, give thanks. Waiata, in this case, songs of entertainment rather than traditional are performed to support the speakers. Once the visitors/guests have completed their speeches the tangata whenua follow with their response and conclude with a closing karakia (prayer). The final hand shake and hongi concludes this part of the process and manuwhiri can take their leave.

Observing the Kawa (Cultural Practices)

The wānanga experience is unique. Activities occur at our Wānanga that have no parallel at other institutions. When kawa is applied to the learning environment it results in the protection of that environment. As a result the Wānanga campus is Alcohol - Drug free and Smoke free.

Alcohol - Drug Free
Should a person partake of these prohibitions on campus, they will be asked to leave and not return. The rule still applies, if a person accommodated here wishes to partake of drugs or alcohol off campus, they would not be welcome to return while under the influence.

Smoke Free
Since the middle months of 2000, Te Ohākī Committee (Health & Well-Being) of the Wānanga has been active in seeking advice from people knowledgeable in the promotion of wellness especially among smokers and consulting with those addicted to nicotine.
The commitment to wellness is a step toward the fulfillment of the principle of Whakatupuranga Rua Mano-Generation 2000 that calls for us to develop and retain our people. Consequently the campus was made smoke free from 1 January 2001.