At Ararira we hold mihi whakatau to welcome new staff and students at the beginning of each term. Our mihi whakatau are run according to the guidelines of Te Taumutu Rūnanga. These are outlined in this document, and adapted according to our needs, in collaboration with the Taumutu education team.
What is a Mihi Whakatau? – link to slideshow of information
Pōwhiri and mihi whakatau are Māori ceremonies of welcome where tangata whenua make speeches of welcome to manuhiri. Pōwhiri generally take place on a marae, while mihi whakatau are less formal and can take place in other settings.
Mihi whakatau are performed differently around Aotearoa New Zealand. We structure our mihi whakatau based on the advice from Te Taumutu Rūnanga.
As a growing kura, we regularly welcome new kaimahi, ākonga and their whānau to our school. We believe in the importance of developing strong relationships with each other. This allows new families to feel connected and included. A mihi whakatau is an important part of this process, as it acknowledges our important partnership. It adheres to our school values of manaakitanga, aroha, and kotahitanga.
Glossary
| Mihi whakatau | Speeches of welcome; an informal welcome ceremony not on the marae |
| Ākonga | Students |
| Kaimahi | Staff |
| Tamariki | Children |
| Whānau | Family |
| Marae | Communal Māori meeting ground |
| Tangata whenua | People of the land; hosts |
| Manuhiri | Visitors; guests |
| Hongi | To press noses in greeting |
| Whaikōrero | Speech performed by a male during a pōwhiri or mihi whakatau. If there is more than one whaikōrero, the senior male speaks last. |
| Waiata Tautoko | A waiata sung after following a speech to support what was said. |
| Harirū | Shake hands |
| Kai | Food |
| Kura | School |
| Manaakitanga | Hospitality; kindness and care for others |
| Aroha | Love |
| Kotahitanga | Unity, togetherness |
| Te Taumutu Rūnanga | The representative group of local Māori of Ngāi Tahu descent. |
The Process
Entry and seating
Manuhiri (tamariki, whānau, new staff) gather in Pūtahi| library. They are welcomed by a staff member, and the mihi whakatau process is explained. A male member of the manuhiri group is asked to volunteer to speak on behalf of the manuhiri (ideally someone will have volunteered prior to the day of the mihi whakatau).
Hubs to make their way to the hall. Children on the floor, staff on seats. Some staff might like to stay by the children. Male staff sit on the front of the paepae
Manuhiri enter and find a seat (on the right as you enter the hall). Men in front, women and children behind.
Whaikōrero
Taumutu follow a paeke structure of whaikōrero. That means that the tangata whenua speaks first, and when all of their speakers have finished, then the manuhiri speaks. A waiata tautoko follows each speech. If there is more than one kaikōrero, the most senior male speaks last.
Hongi/Hariru
Tangata whenua invite manuhiri across to hongi. Kaikaranga hongi first, however if there is not a kaikaranga then the woman who leads the waiata stands first and ushers the manuhiri over.
Hākari
Waiata: Tamariki to stand and perform while manuhiri make their way into the staff room.
Manuhiri and staff to join in the staff room for kai. Karakia mo te kai must be said first.
Children: Have a snack in their class groups and a quick 10 min run around. Senior students look after the tamariki so that most staff can attend the hākari.
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