A guide into the tikanga of our school’s pōhiri and what to expect as a new member of our Mahora whānau. At the start of each term on the first day, we hold pōhiri/pōwhiri to welcome all our new tamariki and whānau into our school community. Please come into our kura office to get a pōhiri pamphlet for further information.

What is pōhiri?

A pōhiri/pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcome ceremony that takes place on a marae or at other institutions such as schools. The structure of pōhiri ceremony, and the expected etiquette are all carefully defined and followed.

What should you do at pōhiri?

Pōhiri is such a special day for your child/children and your whānau. We take pride in our kura and welcoming new families into our community. Being part of our pōhiri allows you and all of our Mahora whānau to connect and help start your whānau and tamariki in beginning at Mahora.

Manuhiri & Tangata Whenua

In pōhiri there are two groups that take part in the ceremony; Tangata Whenua and Manuhiri.

Tangata Whenua are the ‘local’ people (in Mahora School’s case all current students and teachers) who are responsible for welcoming visitors. They initiate the welcome once the group of visitors has arrived and gathered.

Manuhiri are the visitors (this is you!). During our school pōhiri, we will provide our new Mahora whānau members with support in taking part in pōhiri. As Manuhiri, you are being welcomed onto and into our school whānau.

Order of proceedings - from a Manuhiri view

Our designated staff will support you in the below order of pōhiri. Please feel free to ask pātai!

Assemble at the Waharoa (front of school)

  • Karanga between Tangata when and Manuhiri kaikaranga

  • Move together towards whare where seats are set up on the atea

  • Tangata Whenua whaikōrero

  • Tangata Whenua waiata

  • Manuhiri whaikōrero

  • Manuhiri waiata

  • Manuhiri kōha

  • Hongi hariru

  • Hākari

Hākari and breaking the tapu

As manuhiri, you are considered to be ‘tapu’. After being welcomed onto Mahora School through pōhiri you will become ‘noa’ (which is what Tangata Whenua are). After pōhiri it is important that you stay and partake in hākari (which is a feast of delicious kai) to ensure the tapu has gone, giving you a chance to connect with our whānau at Mahora School.

Tapu:

Tapu can be understood as 'sacred' or as a form of 'spiritual restriction,' involving strict rules and prohibitions.

Noa:

To be free from tapu, ordinary, unrestricted.

Dress Code

Men need to wear pants, shirt, and require these to be dark clothing. Women are required to als wear dark clothing and ensure they are wearing pants or a dress.