Powhiri

The powhiri is a ceremony of encounter.Traditionally the reason was to find out whether the visiting party were friends or enemies. As the ceremony progressed and after each side became some what friends, it became a formal welcoming of guests by the tangata whenua. As the ceremony progresses the tapu surrounding manuhiri is removed, and they become one with the tangata whenua. It begins with the karanga, the strong high pitched voices of women from both sides, calling to each other to exchange information to begin the purpose of the visit. In traditional times a wero was performed by a warrior/s, advancing on the manuhiri to look them over and further establish intent.The tangata whenua will perform the haka powhiri, a chant and dance of welcome, during which the manuhiri are symbolically drawn onto the marae. Next is the mihi by the orators from both sides. An expert will display his knowledge of whakapapa, mythology and his mastery of language, rhetoric and dramatic presentation. During whaikorero links between the ancestors and the living are made and genealogical links between tangata whenua and manuhiri are made. The kaupapa of the occasion will be discussed and maybe issues and concerns might be aired.Each speech is followed by the performance of a waiata or sometimes a haka by the orator's support group. The quality of the performance is a matter of critical concern and reflects on the orator and the party of the orator.At the completion of their speeches the manuhiri will present a koha to the tangata whenua. Then the manuhiri move across the marae to hongi with the tangata whenua. The hongi is a gentle pressing of noses, and the two sides become one.The powhiri concludes with the sharing of kai called hakari. The food removes the tapu from the manuhiri so the two sides may complete the becoming friends or allies.