Nau mai haere mai and welcome to you all.
Mihi Whakatau is a traditional welcome, similar to a pōwhiri, intended to greet and settle visitors to our school. This is our way of welcoming new students, staff, and their families into the Wadestown School community.
Mihi Whakatau process
Our manuhiri (visitors) gather together in the Kauri Room at our Rose Street site.
The tangata whenua (hosts) gather in the Wharenui (school hall). They are seated facing the manuhiri (visitors) to welcome them.
A karanga or call will start proceedings. This is a high-pitched call usually done by an elderly woman of the tangata whenua host. At Wadestown School we have 4 Year 8 students perform this role. The high-pitch of the karanga is said to access te ao wairua (the world of spirits), thus beginning the process of whakanoa (lowering their tapu).
Our manuhiri begin to walk slowly towards the Wharenui with kaikaranga (callers) responding to the tangata whenua’s call.
Manuhiri will walk into the Wharenui with wāhine (women) in front and tāne (men) behind and to the sides.
The Tangata Whenua will start a haka pōwhiri (action chant) as the manuhiri approach the wharenui.
A hariru (shaking of hands) happens next. Following Te Āti Awa iwi protocol, the hosts and new families will shake hands upon entering the hall.
A whaikorero (speech) will be made by a representative of the school. Then the students and staff will stand and sing a waiata tautoko (support song) to acknowledge and support the speaker’s message.
A representative from the manuhiri will respond, and then the group will stand and sing a waiata tautoko. The manuhiri will then sit down.
Ms Frater, our Tumuaki (Principal) will then speak and this will conclude our Mihi Whakatau.
The final act of the whakatau is to share kai (food). This is an essential part of the Mihi Whakatau as it lifts any tapu (sacred) aspects that have been part of formalities.
We include it in our whakatau too as the sharing of kai is a time-honoured way to ‘break the ice’ and begin new relationships
What to expect at our Wadestown School Mihi Whakatau
- The manuhiri (guests or visitors) will gather together in the Shelter Shed outside Rata Block for an informal briefing from one of our staff members. At this time, parents and whānau may choose to introduce themselves and to get to know each other.
- A member of staff will lead you into the mihi whakatau (usually held in the School hall).
- A hariru (shaking of hands) happens next. Following Te Āti Awa iwi protocol, the hosts and new families will shake hands upon entering the hall.
- A karanga (or a call) will start proceedings followed by a Haka powhiri performed by the tangata whenua.
- The tangata whenua (hosts) will be seated facing the manuhiri (visitors) to welcome you.
- A whaikorero (speech) will be made by a representative of the school. Then the students and staff will stand and sing a waiata tautoko (support song) to acknowledge and support the speaker’s message.
- A representative from the manuhiri will respond, and then the group will stand and sing a waiata tautoko. The manuhiri will then sit down.
- Amanda Frater, our Tumuaki (Principal) will speak and this will conclude our Mihi Whakatau.
- Kai (shared food) will then be provided for everyone to enjoy in the Library. This signifies the coming together of our guests and the Wadestown community.
Te aroha Love
Te whakapono Faith
Me te rangimarie and peace
Tatou tatou e Be amongst us all (translation)