Powhiri Process

Powhiri

The powhiri is a process whereby the host people welcome visitors on the marae. In recent years the pōwhiri process has also been used in other situations, such as welcoming a new perosn to a workplace.

Tangata whenua (hosts)

The tangata whenua are the local people. When they are welcoming a group they are responsible for them. They begin the welcome when the group of visitors has assembled.
Manuhiri (visitors)

The visitors to a marae who have never been there before are known as waewae tapu(sacred feet). Distant visitors are known as manuhiri tuarangi (visitors from afar). When manuhiri have never been to a particular marae before a kaumatua (elder) in the group will often perform a protective karakia or prayer known as a waerea. 
Wero or taki

In modern times a wero or taki (ritual challenge) occurs when a particularly important visitor is being welcomed.
Karanga

In many cases, there will be no wero and the pōwhiri will begin with the karanga or call. A kaikaranga (caller) from the tangata whenua will begin to call and she will be responded to by a kaikaranga from the manuhiri.
Haka pōwhiri

When the manuhiri are being welcomed onto the marae, the host people will sometimes welcome them with a haka powhiri 
Koha

The koha is a gift by the manuhiri to the tangata whenua.
Harirū and hongi

At the conclusion of the formal proceedings the manuhiri will be invited to come and hongi (press noses) and harirū (shake hands) with the tangata whenua.
Hākari



The pōwhiri will conclude with a hākari (feast)