The powhiri is the ritual welcoming ceremony.

Traditionally the process served to discover whether the visiting party were friend or foe. As the ceremony progressed, and after friendship was acknowledged, it became a formal welcoming of manuhiri by the tangata whenua. As the ceremony progresses also, the tapu or sacredness surrounding manuhiri is removed, and they become one with the tangata whenua.

It begins with the karanga, the high pitched voices of women from both sides, calling to each other to exchange information about each other and to begin to establish intent and the purpose of the visit. Kaikaranga between them weave a mat laid upon Papatuanuku (Mother Earth) binding the two sides together.

In traditional times a wero or challenge was performed by a warrior or warriors, advancing on the manuhiri to look them over and further establish intent. The wero is sometimes performed today, particularly for the most prestigious manuhiri.

The tangata whenua will perform the haka powhiri, a haka of welcoming, during which the manuhiri are symbolically drawn onto the marae. The chants often use the symbolism of hauling a waka or canoe onto the shore.

Next is the mihi or exchange of greetings by the kaikaranga’s from both sides. Oratory is much prized. An expert will display his knowledge of whakapapa and mythology, and his mastery of language. During whaikorero links between the ancestors and the living are made, and genealogical links between tangata whenua and manuhiri. The kaupapa or purpose of the occasion will be discussed, and perhaps general present day issues and concerns might be talked about.

Each speech is followed by the performance of a waiata, or sometimes a haka, by the kaikaranga’s support group. The quality of the performance is a matter of concern, and reflects on the kaikaranga, and the Kaikaranga’s party.

At the completion of their speeches the manuhiri will present a koha to the tangata whenua. Today it is usually in the form of money, but in the past it would have been food or valued possessions.

Then the manuhiri move across the marae to hongi with the tangata whenua. The hongi signifies the mingling together of the sacred breath of life, and the two sides become one.