Table of Contents
What is the purpose of a WERO?
Wero (meaning “to cast a spear”), also known as taki, is a traditional Māori challenge, performed as part of the Māori protocol. Its purpose is to ensure that visitors come in peace. It also establishes their steadfastness, and the prowess of the challenging warriors.
What was the purpose of the WERO in the past?
Traditionally a wero was carried out to ascertain the intentions of the visiting group. Wero was executed by the fastest and fittest male warriors of the tangata whenua. The way the taki (dart) was placed down or picked up would determine whether or not the manuhiri had come in peace. (This is not always done today.)
What is the role of a Kaikaranga?
1. (noun) caller – the woman (or women) who has the role of making the ceremonial call to visitors onto a marae, or equivalent venue, at the start of a pōwhiri. The term is also used for the caller(s) from the visiting group who responds to the tangata whenua ceremonial call.
How long is a pōwhiri?
The length of this time of reflection can vary from 30 seconds to several minutes and is usually determined by your Kaikaranga but once observed then your Kaikaranga will begin to proceed again towards the Wharetipuna.
How does a pōwhiri start?
In the evening, inside the wharenui the mihimihi process will begin. Mihimihi (or mihi) are speeches in which people introduce themselves by sharing their ancestral ties. A karakia led by the tangata whenua will commence proceedings. The mihimihi will begin with the tangata whenua and then move around to the manuhiri.
What does Manuhiri mean in English?
visitor
manuhiri in British English 1. a visitor to a Māori marae. 2. a Māori term for a non-Māori person, seen as a guest in the country.
What are the steps of a powhiri?
Pōwhiri usually consists of the following stages:
- Karanga (call) This is the first and unique call of welcome in the pōwhiri.
- Whaikōrero (speeches) Formal speech making follows the karanga.
- Waiata (song)
- Koha (gift)
- Harirū (shaking hands)
- Kai (food)
What are the stages of pōwhiri?
When does A wero or Taki occur in a powhiri?
In modern times a wero or taki would occur if a person of significant importance is being welcomed. Then what happens? Usually there will be no wero or taki so the pōwhiri would start with a karanga. A kaikaranga will begin from the tangata whenua side, they will then be replied to by a kaikaranga from the manuhiri side.
What does a powhiri mean in New Zealand?
A pōwhiri is traditionally known as a welcome for manuhiri onto a marae. Now days a pōwhiri can be a welcome for people starting at a new workplace instead of limiting it strictly to welcoming people onto a marae.
Which is the most spectacular part of the powhiri?
For most observers, the taki or wero, an aggressive challenge of the visitor at the beginning of the ceremony, is the most spectacular part of the pōwhiri.
Who is responsible for manuhiri during a powhiri?
Now days a pōwhiri can be a welcome for people starting at a new workplace instead of limiting it strictly to welcoming people onto a marae. The tangata whenua are the group that will be looking after the manuhiri and they are responsible for the care and well being of the manuhiri during their stay at the marae.