Maori Language Week: Traditional guidelines for marae protocol

This week is Maori Language Week. This year the focus is on hospitality.

ARRIVE at the marae at the time agreed to by the group and the people of the marae. MANUHIRI (visitors) assemble outside the gates, waiting until everyone has arrived and the marae is ready to receive visitors. The group will move on to the marae once they are called on, usually women in front and in the middle. Before going on to the marae the manuhiri have speakers worked out, have their KOHA (a gift, which is usually money) ready and also have a WAIATA (song) ready.
TANGATA WHENUA - the people of the land - are the hosts, the local people who have a genealogical connection to that marae and land.
The tangata whenua may perform a WERO, a series of actions performed by a male using a TAIAHA (wooden spear). In traditional times this process was a test of the visitors' motives, that is, whether they come in peace and is generally done before the KARANGA (the call).
The karanga is delivered first by a woman on the tangata whenua side, followed by a returning call from the manuhiri group. This calling backwards and forwards brings together the living and the deceased, and moves on to the purpose of occasion. The party proceeds slowly on to the marae proper.
A HAKA POWHIRI may also be performed by the tangata whenua. This is done by a group welcoming the visitors on to the marae and generally follows the first few series of karanga. During this whole advance, there can be much emotion shown, from chanting, wailing, crying and calling by both parties. Once seated, the oratory process begins.
Tangata whenua will begin the WHAIKORERO (formal oratory). This is done by a male who has appropriate Maori language ability. Once this first speaker has completed, the tangata whenua will compliment the speaker's words with a local waiata. When all the tangata whenua speakers have completed their speeches, the manuhiri will respond with speechmaking. This format of oratory turn taking is called PAEKE which is used by Rangitane and most tribes of the eastern coastline. Other tribes follow the TUATUTUMAI format where tangata whenua and manuhiri speakers will alternate one for one, ending with a tangata whenua speaker. Whatever format is used, waiata will be performed at the conclusion of each speech.
Once speechmaking has been completed, the manuhiri will approach the tangata whenua and HONGI (the touching of noses), which in Rangitane is two touches of the nose. Once this is complete tangata whenua will escort those who have just been welcomed into the dining room to partake of food.