Brief overview of a Pōwhiri (welcoming Ceremony)

The powhiri recognises the coming together of two groups that are separated not only physically but also spiritually. It is a profound acknowledgement that we are all creatures of a spiritual realm. The pōwhiri is a series of traditional rituals. It usually starts with a wero (ritual challenge) which occurs when a particularly important visitor(s) is being welcomed. If there is no wero, the karanga (call) signifies the beginning of the ceremony. A kaikaranga (caller) from our tribe will begin to call the guests connecting the physical world and spiritual world. Once guests are seated we will begin with a karakia (blessing). This will be followed by whaikorero (formal welcoming speeches), firstly by the tangata whenua (home people), followed by a waiata tautoko (supporting song).