Mihi Whakatau: A Māori Welcome Ceremony

A mihi whakatau is a formal welcome ceremony in Māori culture that serves to remove restrictions and foster unity between hosts and visitors. It is an important aspect of Māori protocol and is commonly practiced in educational institutions, organizations, and community gatherings. This article provides an overview of mihi whakatau, highlighting its definition, purpose, and unique characteristics.

Unique Characteristics of Mihi Whakatau

1.1 Location Flexibility

One of the key distinctions between mihi whakatau and pōwhiri, another traditional Māori welcome ceremony, is the flexibility of the location. While pōwhiri typically takes place on a marae (a communal meeting ground), mihi whakatau can be conducted in various settings, including classrooms, conference rooms, or outdoor spaces. This flexibility allows for the inclusion of Māori customs and protocols in a wider range of contexts.

1.2 Karanga

In a pōwhiri, a karanga, which is the call of the woman, is an integral part of the ceremony. However, in a mihi whakatau, the inclusion of a karanga is optional and depends on the preferences or cultural practices of the hosts and visitors. While it is not a mandatory element, the karanga adds a significant cultural touch to the welcome process.

Procedure of Mihi Whakatau

2.1 Karakia/Blessing

The mihi whakatau typically begins with a karakia, which is a prayer or blessing. The karakia is recited to invoke spiritual guidance, protection, and unity during the ceremony. It acknowledges the presence of ancestors and seeks their blessings for the gathering.

2.2 Guest Seating and Guidance

Hosts play a crucial role in guiding guests to their seats and providing them with necessary instructions during the mihi whakatau. They ensure that guests feel welcomed, comfortable, and aware of the protocols to follow throughout the ceremony.

2.3 Mihi/Speech by Hosts

The hosts of the mihi whakatau deliver formal speeches to express welcome and gratitude to the visitors. These speeches often include acknowledgments of the visitors’ achievements or the purpose of their visit. The hosts may also share information about the hosting organization or institution.

2.4 Visitor Speeches

In some instances, visitors may have the opportunity to share their own speeches or responses during the mihi whakatau. This allows visitors to express their appreciation for the welcome and to introduce themselves, their group, or their purpose for attending the event. Visitor speeches contribute to building connection and understanding between the hosts and visitors.

2.5 Waiata Tautoko/Songs of Support

After each speech, it is customary to sing waiata tautoko, which are songs of support and acknowledgement. These songs demonstrate solidarity and appreciation for the words spoken and help to create a harmonious atmosphere during the mihi whakatau. Waiata tautoko often reflect the values, history, and aspirations of the hosting group or community.

2.6 Exchange of Greetings

The mihi whakatau provides an opportunity for the exchange of greetings between hosts and visitors. Depending on the cultural practices and alert levels, greetings may include harirū (handshaking), hongi (pressing noses), or alternative greetings like elbow bumps. These greetings symbolize respect, unity, and the forging of connections between individuals and groups.

Role of Kaikōrero

3.1 Definition and Significance

The kaikōrero, or the speaker, plays a significant role in the mihi whakatau. They have the responsibility of speaking on behalf of the students or group being welcomed. The kaikōrero represents the collective voice and expresses the thoughts, aspirations, and gratitude of the visiting group. They contribute to the overall atmosphere of the ceremony through their words and delivery.

3.2 Language Considerations

While English is commonly spoken during mihi whakatau, those who are comfortable speaking te reo Māori or any other language are encouraged to consider taking on the role of kaikōrero. Using te reo Māori as the medium of communication adds a cultural authenticity and richness to the ceremony. It also provides an opportunity for language revitalization and reinforces the importance ofMāori language in Māori cultural practices.

Conclusion

A mihi whakatau is a formal welcome ceremony in Māori culture that aims to remove restrictions and foster unity between hosts and visitors. It is characterized by its location flexibility and the optional inclusion of a karanga. The procedure of a mihi whakatau involves a karakia or blessing, guest seating and guidance, speeches by hosts and visitors, songs of support, and the exchange of greetings. The kaikōrero, as the speaker, holds a significant role in representing the visiting group. Overall, a mihi whakatau serves as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and respect, emphasizing the importance of language and customs in Māori protocols.

Sources

1. Mihi Whakatau. Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou | University of Otago. Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/maori/world/mihi

2. Mihi Whakatau. The University of Auckland. Retrieved from https://www.auckland.ac.nz/en/students/newstudents/orientation-new-students/mihi-whakatau.html

3. Mihi – introductions. Te Whare Wānanga o Ōtākou | University of Otago. Retrieved from https://www.otago.ac.nz/maori/world/te-reo-maori/mihi-introductions

FAQs

What is a mihi whakatau?

A mihi whakatau is a formal welcome ceremony in Māori culture that aims to remove restrictions and foster unity between hosts and visitors. It is a significant aspect of Māori protocols and is commonly practiced in educational institutions, organizations, and community gatherings.

How does a mihi whakatau differ from a pōwhiri?

A mihi whakatau differs from a pōwhiri in several ways. While a pōwhiri is typically conducted on a marae (a communal meeting ground), a mihi whakatau can take place in various settings, including classrooms, conference rooms, or outdoor spaces. Additionally, a pōwhiri often includes a karanga (the call of the woman), whereas the inclusion of a karanga in a mihi whakatau is optional and depends on cultural practices and preferences.

What are the key elements of a mihi whakatau?

A mihi whakatau typically involves several key elements. These include a karakia or blessing at the beginning of the ceremony, guest seating and guidance by hosts, formal speeches by hosts expressing welcome and gratitude, the opportunity for visitors to share their own speeches or responses, the singing of waiata tautoko (songs of support), and the exchange of greetings such as harirū (handshaking), hongi (pressing noses), or alternative greetings depending on alert levels.

What is the role of the kaikōrero in a mihi whakatau?

The kaikōrero, or the speaker, plays a significant role in a mihi whakatau. They speak on behalf of the students or group being welcomed and express their thoughts, aspirations, and gratitude. The kaikōrero represents the collective voice of the visitors and contributes to the overall atmosphere of the ceremony through their words and delivery.

Can a mihi whakatau be conducted in te reo Māori?

Yes, a mihi whakatau can be conducted in te reo Māori, the Māori language. While English is commonly spoken during mihi whakatau, those who are comfortable speaking te reo Māori or any other language are encouraged to consider taking on the role of kaikōrero. Using te reo Māori as the medium of communication adds cultural authenticity and richness to the ceremony and reinforces the importance of Māori language in Māori cultural practices.

Where can a mihi whakatau take place?

A mihi whakatau can take place in various settings depending on the context and purpose of the event. It is not limited to marae settings like a pōwhiri. Mihi whakatau can be conducted in classrooms, conference rooms, outdoor spaces, or any other suitable venue that accommodates the gathering of hosts and visitors.

What is the significance of waiata tautoko in a mihi whakatau?

Waiata tautoko, or songs of support and acknowledgement, hold significance in a mihi whakatau. They are sung after each speech as a way to show solidarity, appreciation, and to create a harmonious atmosphere during the ceremony. Waiata tautoko often reflect the values, history, and aspirations of the hosting group or community.

How long does a mihi whakatau typically last?

The duration of a mihi whakatau can vary depending on the specific context and the number of speeches or presentations involved. In general, a mihi whakatau can range from 30 minutes to an hour, but it can be shorter or longer depending on the event’s requirements and the number of participants.