New Zealand has been seen by many people as a great country to move to as immigrants. The people who usually see New Zealand as a haven are those who are looking to start a new life and are looking for better opportunities. Both of these are offered in the country, thus making it very popular among many people looking for a new place to call home. Aside from these, the country is also home to beautiful landscapes and amazing waters. It also has a great culture that has made many people fall in love with the place.
The charm that New Zealand has for many potential immigrants
goes beyond its strong economy and natural beauty. The country is also quite
proud of its culture, and how it embraces inclusivity and diversity. These make
the country very welcoming of people who choose to make New Zealand their new
home. One great example of this is the Powhiri.
What is the Powhiri?
This is a welcome ceremony in New Zealand that happens on a marae,
which is a meeting ground for the Maori. Maraes can be found in the midst of a
community of Maoris. However, it is important to keep in mind that Powhiri can
also be held in other places, as long as it is the venue that the host of the
ceremony has chosen to give a formal greeting to visitors to the country. Immigrant
students in New Zealand may also be given the chance to experience a Powhiri by
the school that they have chosen to study in. There are educational
institutions in the country that have maraes.
How is the Powhiri done?
The welcome ceremony starts with a warrior challenging
people attending the Powhiri to distinguish which is a friend and which is a
foe. Then, an elderly woman would call out, and that would be the signal for
the group to move to the marae. Once they are there, there are speeches and
they are usually in English and in Maori. There are also songs that accompany
these speeches. After that, there is an exchange of gifts, and then the hongi, which
is a traditional way of greeting for the Maori where participants greet each
other by touching noses and foreheads. This ceremony in New Zealand then ends with
the participants sharing a feast, which is a reflection of the hospitality of
the Maori.
The powhiri, a Māori welcome ceremony, begins with a
warrior's challenge to distinguish friend from foe. An elder woman's call
signals the move to the marae. While the group walks, the women usually lead
the way. They take pauses to give honor and remembrance of their ancestors. At
the marae, all participants sit down, facing each other. Speeches are made in
te reo Māori and English, accompanied by songs. Gifts are exchanged, followed
by the hongi, a nose-pressing greeting. The ceremony concludes with a shared
feast, reflecting Māori hospitality.
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