Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
There may be a wero(challenge). Using taiaha(quarter-staff) moves a warrior
will approach the visitors and place a baton on the ground for a visitor to pick up.
There is a karanga(ceremonial call). A woman from the host group calls to the
visitors and a woman from the visitors responds. Their long, high, falling calls begin
to overlap and interweave and the visiting group walks on to the marae atea.It is
then time for whaikorero(speechmaking). The hosts welcome the visitors, the vis-
itors respond. Speeches are capped off by a waiata(song), and the visitors' speak-
er places a koha(gift, usually an envelope of cash) on the marae. The hosts then
invite the visitors to hariru(shake hands) and hongi. Visitors and hosts are now
united and will share light refreshments or a meal.
The Hongi
Press forehead and nose together firmly, shake hands, and perhaps offer a greet-
ing such as 'Kia ora'or 'Tena koe'. Some prefer one press (for two or three
seconds, or longer), others prefer two shorter (press, release, press). Men and wo-
men sometimes kiss on one cheek. Some people mistakenly think the hongiis a
pressing of noses only (awkward to aim!) or the rubbing of noses (even more awk-
ward).
Tapu
Tapu(spiritual restrictions) and mana(power and prestige) are taken seriously in
the Maori world. Sit on chairs or seating provided (never on tables), and walk
around people, not over them. The powhiriis tapu,and mixing food and tapuis
right up there on the offence-o-meter. Do eat and drink when invited to do so by
your hosts. You needn't worry about starvation: an important Maori value is man-
aakitanga(kindness).
Depending on area, the powhirihas gender roles: women karanga(call), men
whaikorero(orate); women lead the way on to the marae,men sit on the paepae
(the speakers' bench at the front). In a modern context, the debate around these
roles continues.
Taki Rua is an independent producer of Maori work for both children and adults and
has been in existence for over 25 years. As well as staging its shows in the major centres,
it tours most of its work - check out its website (
www.takirua.co.nz
) for the current of-
ferings. Maori drama is also often showcased at the professional theatres in the main
centres as well as the biennial New Zealand Festival. Hone Kouka and Briar Grace-
Smith (both have published playscripts available) have toured their works around NZ and
to festivals in the UK.
