Sunday, May 29, 2022

Traditional Powhiri Items

What is a marae and why is it important?

A marae is our focal point. A marae enables us to carry out our traditions and customs and express our values fully and with dignity. Marae kawa (local protocols) prevail when we gather on marae. Marae kawa differ from one marae to the next and across different tribal regions. We need marae for a number of reasons, including:

    • Whaikōrero – that we may rise tall in oratory

    • Tangihanga – that we may weep for our dead

    • Karakia – that we may pray

    • Hākari – that we may have our feasts

    • Manaakitanga – that we may house our guests

    • Hui – that we may have our meetings

    • Mārena – that we may host weddings

    • Hui whānau – that we may have family reunions

    • Waiata and haka – that we may sing our waiata and perform our haka.

This weeks challenge is to learn one of the two items that is often performed on a marae and to understand why it is a commonly performed item. What makes these items special, especially for a powhiri? At some point in your life whether for high school, university, a tangi, work or just to accompany a friend you will likely attend at powhiri. Knowing these songs below will help you be part of a very tapu Māori tradition.


Tōia Mai te Waka





Tēnā Koutou




 


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