A POWHIRI

The pōwhiri begins with a challenge

A pōwhiri usually begins outside the marae with a wero (challenge). A
warrior from the tangata whenua (hosts) will challenge the manuhiri
(guests), checking to see whether they are friend or enemy. He may carry a
taiaha (spear-like weapon), and will lay down a token - often a small
branch - for the visitors to pick up to show they come in peace.

The call of welcome

An older woman from the host side will perform a karanga (call) to the
manuhiri. This is the visitors' signal to start moving on to the marae. A
woman from among the visitors will respond with her own call. Visitors walk
onto the marae as a group, slowly and silently with the women in front of
the men. They will pause along the way to
remember their ancestors who have passed
on .
Speeches and songs

Once on the marae grounds and either in front of or inside the main
ancestral house, the guests and hosts take their seats facing each other.
Now speeches are made – usually by the older men of the two groups. A
song is sung following each speaker to support his address. After the
speeches, the visitors present a koha (gift) to their hosts.

Greetings and food

To end formal proceedings, visitors and

hosts greet each other with a hongi – the
ceremonial touching of noses. After the
pōwhiri, kai (food) will be shared, in
keeping with the Māori tradition of
manaakitanga or hospitality.