Powhiri as a tool for collaboration, Matariki & Whatahoro Cribb-Fox along with the National Science Challenge and Manaaki Whenua show the parts and processes of powhiri and how they relate to business.
The pōwhiri (or pōhiri) 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 employee to a workplace.
Tangata whenua (hosts), Manuhiri (visitors).
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.
The manuhiri will move onto the marae and the calling will continue.
Whaikōrero
Whaikōrero (speeches) are given by both hosts and visitors on the marae.
Waiata
At the conclusion of each speech the speaker and a number of supporters will sing a waiata (song). Often these are traditional waiata.
Koha
The koha is a gift by the manuhiri to the tangata whenua. It is usually placed on the ground by the final speaker from the manuhiri. Once the speaker is seated, someone from the tangata whenua will pick it up.
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. Traditionally, whether male or female, participants would hongi. After European settlement, the kiss was introduced, and instead of a hongi men and women would kiss other women. Many marae now insist on a return to the traditional method where only hongi and harirū occurs.
Hākari
The pōwhiri will conclude with a hākari (feast), which lifts the tāpu (sacredness) of the pōwhiri.
Poroporoaki
The conclusion of a hui will be marked by formal farewells known as poroporoaki. It is usual for the manuhiri or visitors to initiate the poroporoaki. This is because it is considered good etiquette to let the visitors leave when they are ready, and impolite for the hosts to tell them to leave. Poroporoaki generally happen in the wharenui at the conclusion of a hākari but are also held inside the wharenui and, more rarely, on the marae ātea.