Marae - the building

Customs and protocols

The welcoming ceremony – what to expect

Things you should not do on a marae

Other general reminders

What you will need to bring

Coming back to the marae

How - A Step-by-Step Guide to the Te Arotūriki Process - CONTINUED

DETAILS OF CONSULTATION PHASE

What to do if your meeting is on a Marae

Other general reminders

• The tangata whenua will welcome you, but will expect you to follow and respect the protocols (kawa) of that particular marae.
• Leave your blankets and personal gear in your car or outside of the marae, until after the welcoming ceremony, and after you have eaten.
• Children are welcome anywhere on the Marae but should be reasonably quiet during the speeches.
• Near the end of the ceremony, you will shake hands (hariru) with the tangata whenua. You may kiss or press noses (hongi). Women usually are kissed on the cheek.
• Certain places of the marae are reserved for the elders (kaumatua) to sit and sleep, particularly the places closest to the doors and windows – if in doubt, check with your hosts. Not always, but visitors usually sleep on the right, tangata whenua on the left.
• In the dining room (whare kai), be prepared to help clear your own plates and those of others and to assist with dishes.
• It is acceptable to dress and undress discretely in the sleeping house (whare moe).
• You may wish to learn and say a few words of greeting in Māori language (Te Reo Māori)
• If you are speaking in the meeting house (whare nui), stand in a place where you do not have your back to anyone.