NGĀ KETE WĀNANGA MARAE (The baskets of knowledge)
Kawa of Marae
The Marae is a complex made up of the Wharenui (carved building), Te Uruuru Matua and Tahua Roa (Dining room).
Surrounding the wharenui are teaching spaces, Te Kete Uruuru Rangi, and Te Kete Uruuru Tau. The naming of the Wharenui and teaching spaces are deliberate to align with traditional forms of packaging knowledge.
The architectural design of the marae is represented as a matau (hook) with the emphasis of the marae being a vehicle to hook people into education.
Powhiri (the formal welcome on to the marae) Process
All manuwhiri (visitors) assemble at the entrance to the Tomokanga (gateway). The ope (group) decide who will be responsible for the whaikōrero (the speakers/s) to represent the group. The male members are also responsible for collecting the koha to place on the marae as acknowledgement for the manaakitanga. A wahine (female) is responsible for the Karanga (call) and the waiata (song) which supports the whaikōrero.
When the ope is ready the women move forward and stand under the archway of the tomokanga so that the tangata whenua (home people) know that the ope is ready for the pōwhiri to proceed.
The tangata whenua begins the process with the karanga and the manuwhiri will reply and move slowly towards the wharenui. This is a solemn process to allow people to gather their thoughts and pay homage to the people who have gone before us. There is often a slight pause before you cross the marae ātea (courtyard in front of the wharenui) where most formal occasions are usually held.
Shoes are removed before entering the wharenui, as a sign of respect.
Whaikōrero (speeches) of welcome then take place - tū atu tū mai - that is, the speakers will alternate. The tangata whenua start and the manuwhiri respond. This will continue depending on how many speakers there are sitting on the paepae. It always ends with the tangata whenua as last speaker.
Each whaikōrero is concluded with a waiata. Generally the song indicates where the person is from and aligns with what has been said.
On completion of the whaikōrero the manuwhiri will be asked to cross the floor to hongi. It is through the hongi that tangata whenua and manuwhiri become ‘of one breath’. A hariru (handshake) is acceptable for those who are unable to press noses for cultural, religious or other reasons.
The formal welcome is completed when manuwhiri and tangata whenua partake of food and drink in the dining room, Tahua Roa.
The architectural design of the marae is represented as a matau (hook) with the emphasis of the marae being a vehicle to hook people into education.
