Nau mai – welcome to your symposium here in Rotorua.
The symposium will begin with a pōhiri – a welcoming ceremony at Rotowhio Marae, Te Puia.
This is deeply rooted in Māori culture and is commonly performed at the beginning of gatherings, meetings, or events. A pōhiri involves whaikōrero (formal speech), waiata (singing), and karakia (prayer) — so that you, our manuhiri (visitors), can feel settled in our rohe (area).
Prior to the ceremony, you will gather together in the gateway area of the marae (meeting house). Our tikanga (customs) ask that the women gather at the front while the men assemble behind. This is a traditional practice grounded in Māori values of protection, balance, and care.
To begin the pōhiri process, you will observe the wero (the ceremonial challenge) laid down by the tangata whenua (home people). This is how your hosts ensure that you as manuhiri (visitors) come in peace. A single warrior will advance showcasing his prowess with traditional weapons and representing the steadfastness and prestige of the people. They will place a symbolic offering upon the ground. Your appointed representative should move forward with calm dignity and lift the offering, thereby signalling peaceful intent. The warrior will then complete the wero and return to the marae and the pōhiri process will continue.
A karanga (call of welcome) beckons you to enter. This marks the beginning of the pōhiri process. At this time your group will walk across the courtyard to enter the whare tūpuna (ancestral meeting house).
The whaikōrero (formal speechmaking) allows the speaker to introduce themselves as the home people, sharing their lineage, affiliations, and spiritual guardianship of the land. The speaker acknowledges you, your families, and the ancestors upon whose shoulders we sit. This highlights the importance of relationships and kinship ties within Māori society. The speech will be in te reo Māori (the Māori language).
The whaikōrero is followed by waiata (songs or chants), further symbolising unity and connection.
To complete the pōhiri, a karakia (prayer) is offered to strengthen the bond of welcome between the home people and you, our most welcome manuhiri (visitors).
A ceremonial welcome is significant for several reasons. It creates a respectful and inclusive atmosphere, recognising the diversity of individuals and their backgrounds. It also establishes a sense of belonging and equality among participants. Additionally, the ceremony fosters relationships, cultural understanding, and collaboration by honouring Māori customs and values.
Nō reira, nau mai, haere mai i raro i te ngākau iti e.
With a humble heart, we welcome you.
We thank Te Puia for providing the guidelines and background for the welcoming ceremony.
For more insights into Māori culture see: https://www.newzealand.com/nz/maori-culture/