Tikanga

Understanding the Pōwhiri: A Guide to Māori Welcoming Ceremonies

By Waikura on Thu, 19/03/2026 - 10:08

This image shows a minimalist, graphic illustration of a Māori Wharenui (meeting house) against a plain white background. The Wharenui is rendered in earthy terracotta and cream tones with simplified traditional carvings. In the foreground, a group of people is depicted as simplified, flat-color silhouettes in a variety of soft pastel shades—including mint green, pale blue, lavender, and peach—facing toward the building. The style is clean and modern, focusing on geometric shapes and a calm, varied color pa

Learn the four major stages of the Pōwhiri (Māori welcoming ceremony), including the Karanga, Whaikōrero, and Hongi, and the spiritual balance of Tapu and Noa.

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