ASCILITE 2002 » cultural information

Cultural information

To all visitors and participants of the ASCILITE Conference, the purpose of this brief is to inform you all of some of the cultural elements of the tangata whenua, the Maori people of Aotearoa (New Zealand).

Powhiri: ritual ceremony of welcome,where the hosts UNITEC will welcome you all to its campus on Sunday 8th December at 6:30pm.
You will be directed to your assembly point to prepare for embarking on to the marae space.
Hear "powhiri" (wave file, 14kb).

Manuhiri: visitors to UNITEC.
Hear "Manuhiri" (wave file, 16kb).

Tangata Whenua: your hosts for the conference, UNITEC.
Hear "Tangata Whenua" (wave file, 21kb).

Wero: traditional Maori challenge usually performed for dignitaries, VIP etc, where warriors approach the visitors in their traditional manner to ascertain the validity of intent of the group.
You, of course, will be in the hands of your guide who will brief you on marae protocol, the challenge and the manner in which you move on to the space at the first call of welcome. Your guide will also speak on your behalf.
Hear "wero" (wave file, 8kb).

Karanga: the keening call of welcome from the woman who acknowledges your etho’s, your country, nationality, ancestors and purpose of your visit.
You will be provided with a Kai Karanga, a woman to respond on your groups behalf.
Hear "karanga" (wave file, 14kb).
Hear "Kai Karanga" (wave file, 19kb).

Whaikorero: the time of speech making where the hosts will speak first, then the visitors will be accorded the opportunity to respond. Your guide will speak on your behalf.
Hear "whaikorero" (wave file, 20kb).

Waiata: following each speech it is customary for the group to sing a song that endorses the content and quality of the speech.
Hear "waiata" (wave file, 15kb).

Hariru: the shaking of hands. At the completion of all speeches visitors then cross the space to be greeted by the hosts.
You observe and take the lead from your guide.
Hear "hariru" (wave file, 14kb).

Hongi: pressing of nose(s). With the shaking of hands, you will also perform the hongi whereby you will be greeted by the host pressing their nose to yours. For Maori this concept has a very deep spiritual significance.
Hear "hongi" (wave file, 10kb).

Hakari: this is the feast which is the final act of cementing the relationships of the two respective groups of visitors and hosts. In your case you will be given the traditional hangi.
Hear "hakari" (wave file, 14kb)

Hangi: Maori method of cooking food in the ground over heated stones.
You will be given the opportunity to observe the opening of the hangi.
Hear "hangi" (wave file, 14kb).

Karakia: Prayers that are conducted on a number of occasions. In terms of your conference, karakia will be said prior to the hangi dinner.
Hear "karakia" (wave file, 14kb).

Aspects to note:

• At the commencement of the ritual welcome ceremony walk in a slow dignified manner. Follow your guides.
• Do not use cameras or cam-corders during powhiri process. An official photographer will video the powhiri ceremony and videos will be available later in the conference.
• When seated be patient, respectful and observe. Speeches will be in Maori and at the generosity of the speaker will English be used.
• Important to not participate in idle conversations during the powhiri and also during the formal speech making.
• When moving into the handshake and nose press remember you DO NOT want to embarrass your host. They likewise, would certainly not want to place you in an uncomfortable position.
• Try saying this phrase prior to shaking hands and hongi: "kia ora" - which in this instance means "hello!" "hi!".
  Hear "kia ora" (wave file, 17kb).

A reminder that UNITEC is a "smoke free institution".

Finally, it is also important for you to enjoy yourself, the environment, the people and what UNITEC has prepared for you.

Nau mai! Haere mai! Whakatau mai ki te Whare Wananga O Wairaka
Welcome! Welcome! Welcome to UNITEC

Hear the welcome in Maori (wave file, 100kb).

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