Generally, women will lead the visiting group onto the marae with men following close behind. In this instance the EEC will be the venue rather than a marae but all protocols will still be adhered to. The manuhiri (visitors and delegates) then proceed to walk slowly into the EEC Plenary hall. The kaikaranga (callers) from the host and visitors may karanga (call) to each other throughout this process. The leading kaikaranga for the visitors may stop temporarily at the entrance point (the entire visiting group will stop also) in order to remember those that have passed on. She will then continue leading the visitors into the wharenui. 

Upon entering the building, the home people will guide the visitors to their seats. There will be two sets of seats on the stage facing each other. These seats will form a paepae tapu (sacred speaking platform) for the formal speakers and dignitaries. Once everyone is seated, the home people will begin the whaikōrero (speeches) portion of the pōhiri process. 

Te Arawa usually observe a kawa/protocol whereby the speeches alternate between the home people and the visiting people. This can vary depending on the number of speakers and who are on the speaking platform. The kaikōrero will ensure that the home people are directed appropriately regarding this. 

A waiata or song will follow every speech that is made from both the home people and the visiting people. This song is to show support for the speech that has just been given and it is appropriate for the entire visiting group to stand in support of their speaker even if you don’t know the song. 

The speeches will conclude with the home people. After this the paepae tapu will signal for the manuhiri or visitors to stand and move over to the home people’s side to hariru or greet them with a hongi. This is a chance to share the breath of life with each other and cement the union of the home and visiting people as one group. 

Please note that Maori kawa/protocol separates what we call tapu (sacred) activities from noa (non-sacred) activities. Food/drink are considered to be noa or non-sacred and where possible should NOT be taken into EEC until after the pohiri has concluded. Please try to observe this important facet as much as possible. Other general rules to consider that are related to this and will keep you safe include the need to avoid:

• Sitting on tables
• Sitting on pillows used for your head
• Loud talking during the speeches
• General misbehavior 

It is usual practice for a karakia (acknowledgement/ blessing) to be said before any meal. This will occur before every meal at the conference. Please do not begin to eat until this has occurred. If in doubt, wait to be told by the home people that it is ok to eat before starting. Overall, we hope that the pohiri process is an enjoyable one for everyone involved. The rules outlined above are a general guide to ensure you are safe throughout this process, however, a Conference organiser or representative will be with you throughout to clarify any other situations that may arise.

Glossary

Hariru Shaking hands or personal greeting after the speeches
Hongi Pressing of noses (signals the end of the pohiri process)
Kaikaranga Women who deliver the formal call of welcome Karakia Sacred recital, prayer, spiritual acknowledgement
Karanga Call of welcome Kawa Local protocols Manuhiri Visitors Māori Indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand Paepae Tapu Sacred platform for speech making
Pōhiri Formal welcoming process
Taki Dart
Tangata Whenua Locals, people of the land
Waiata Song, music
Wero Welcome challenge performed by a warrior
Whaikōrero Formal Speaker