Story: Te kawa o te marae

Structure of pōwhiri

Structure of pōwhiri

This diagram illustrates the process of the pōwhiri (welcome), showing the steps in order from left to right. Some parts of the process, such as the waerea (protective karakia) and wero (ritual challenge) are optional. The two significant divisions of kawa (protocol) – pāeke and tau utuutu (or utuutu) – are shown in the diagram. In pāeke all the speakers from the tangata whenua (hosts) speak first, followed by all the speakers from the manuhiri (guests). In tau utuutu speakers from the tangata whenua and the manuhiri alternate, beginning and ending with a speaker from the tangata whenua.

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Source: Anne Salmond, Hui: a study of Maori ceremonial gatherings. Auckland: Reed Publishing, 2004, p. 178

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How to cite this page:

Basil Keane, 'Te kawa o te marae - Kawa of the marae', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/41340/structure-of-powhiri (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Basil Keane, published 5 Sep 2013