We have been learning about being welcomed on to a marae. Here is my writing work about the Powhiri Process
The Powhiri Process
This is about the powhiri process.
The powhiri process is a process you take when you’re going to a marae for the
first time. The first step for the process is a wero. A wero is a cerimonial challenge
by the hosts were they would send out their fastest men. Then they would place
something like a feather on the ground. If the guests picked it up and walked
backwards facing them that means they come in peace. If they didn’t pick it up
and they turned their backs on them that means that they didn’t come in peace.
The hosts used to do this most of the time but now they only do this for very
important guests such as the Prime Minister.
The second part is called the Karanga. The karanga is a call of welcome which is
done by women and it lets the visitors know they can come onboard the marae
and they also greet the dead. It also informs people who you are and it sets the
topic for the day.
Then the third step (there is eight) is called the Whaikorero. The whaikorero is the
formal speeches (usually made by men) from both the hosts and the visitors.
Speeches greet the whare, honour the dead, welcome people, set the topic for the
day and debate any current issues.
The fourth step is called the koha where the visitors give a gift such as food, treasures or money by manuhiri to tangata whenua. This shows appreciation for being able to stay and helps with the running costs of the marae.
The fifth thing is called the waiata were after each whaikorero(speech) a waiata is
sung. It is usually started by the women then the men join in. This supports the
speech and returns the speaker from the spiritual world ‘ safely back to the living
world.
The sixth part is called the Hongi. After the final speech is made the visitors are
invited to come and Hongi. Where you touch noses. This means you share the
breath of life and are friends. It also lifts the tapu.
The seventh part is called Kai. After the powhiri the tangata whenua put on a
feast. This is to welcome the guests and lift tapu.
The final part is called the poroporoaki. Where at the end of you’re stay everyone
gathers together again. Here people can speak informally to say how they feel
the noho has gone and to give thanks to people. They also sometimes sing some
songs before they go.
