Tikanga and Kawa | Customs

Tikanga and Kawa is the responsibility of the kaumaatua and kuia of the marae (Kaahui Kaumaatua).

Tīkanga are everyday, commonplace, useful guidelines to the correct and appropriate Maaori practices and behaviours which promote harmony on our marae.

Kawa are extra-ordinary protocols with spiritual bases from the Maaori world which we use on our marae.

Kai-a-te-mata Marae observes the standard Kawa of Ngaati Hauaa.

A poowhiri is a traditional Maaori ceremony of welcome that brings visitors (manuwhiri) and hosts (tangata whenua) together.

Kawa of Manaaki Manuwhiri

During a poowhiri, the kawa of ‘manaaki manuwhiri’ is expressed in the speaking pattern of tuu atu, tuu mai or tauutuutu. The ceremony begins with the karanga, performed by senior women who are well-versed in the tikanga, kawa, reo Maaori, karakia, history, waiata, and whakapapa of Kai-a-te-mata Marae.

The kaikaranga stands on the marae near the right-hand side of the whare, facing the manuwhiri. The manuwhiri gather at the gate, led by the senior women, signalling for the host kaikaranga to begin the karanga.

The formal calling of manuhiri onto the marae is carried out by women only. Appropriate black kaakahu should be worn, such as a long dress or skirt. This role is traditionally held by the senior kuia, although she may delegate the responsibility to another wahine. The karanga is given from the right-hand side of the Whare Tuupuna, Wairere, and may be supported by additional wahine alongside the principal caller.

The karanga may include:

• Welcoming the guests
• Acknowledging those who have recently passed
• Comments relating to the purpose of the hui

As the hosts perform the karanga, the manuhiri enter the marae ātea, responding with their own karanga as they move forward.

Depending on where the whaikoorero is to take place, guests may be seated in the piruru if proceedings are held outside, or directed to their seats inside the whare.

• Whaikoorero are performed by male speakers. The speaking pattern is tauutuutu, alternating between host and visitor speakers, starting and ending with the hosts.
• Speeches move from tapu to noa, acknowledging God (Atua), Te Kingitanga (Te Arikinui Kuini Nga wai hono i te po), ancestors, and Kaupapa (the day’s matters).
• Each speech concludes with a waiata, often a mooteatea, hiimene, or waiata ngahau.

Koha Presentation

The final manuwhiri speaker lays the koha on the ground. A male host picks it up before the final host speaker responds.

After the speeches, guests and hosts hongi and hariru.

Huritakapau

The ceremony concludes with a shared meal, signalling the end of the poowhiri and the lifting of tapu.

A whakatau is a Maaori welcome ceremony that resembles a poowhiri, but is generally simpler and shorter in form.

Key features of a whakatau

• Purpose: It serves to welcome and bring two groups together, recognise their relationship, and create a respectful, safe space.
• Less formal than a poowhiri: A whakatau generally does not involve a wero or a full karanga, though a simple karanga may still be included.
• Speeches and waiata: Each group offers a short speech (koorero), which is usually supported by a waiata.
• Hongi or handshake: The ceremony typically concludes with a hongi or handshake to signify unity.
• Hakari: The gathering often ends with food, which helps remove the tapu and completes the formalities.

The dress code for the day will depend on the type of kaupapa (formal or informal) and the role of the manuwhiri, particularly whether they will be speaking (whaikoorero) or representing their group (roopuu).

Attire should be tidy and appropriate for the occasion, demonstrating respect for the mana of the marae. This is particularly important at the start of the event (poowhiri or whakatau).

Depending on the length of the kaupapa, more comfortable or casual clothing may be worn once the formal welcome has concluded and the manuwhiri have settled in.

Gang insignia is not allowed inside the marae, around the marae premises, the carpark or urupaa.

Taane

• Wear appropriate clothing and long trousers if speaking.

Waahine

• Modest, black or dark-coloured clothing that covers the shoulders and legs

Tamariki

• Children should dress similarly—neat, tidy, and modest.

Tangihanga

• Females in the whare must wear the ‘blacks’ skirts and clothing
• Men sitting on the paepae should be presentable, particularly if they are speaking.