Marae
Māori Culture on the Marae
Our local marae is Waiwhetu Marae. It was founded by Ihaia Porutu Puketapu. Follow the links below to read the fascinating story of one man's dream.
Tikanga on the Marae
‘Tikanga’ relates to the rules and regulations to be practised and observed on the Marae, designed to maintain order and harmony amongst people.
Every iwi (tribe) and their respective marae have similar traditions, but there are also local variations to ‘tikanga’ which must be observed and learnt by manuhiri (visitors) when visiting a marae.
EXAMPLES OF TIKANGA ON AROHANUI KI TE TANGATA:
On the marae you don’t wear shoes in the wharenui, you leave your shoes outside. There are two reasons for that
- In a physical sense; to keep the marae clean.
- In a spiritual sense; to respect the tapu of the marae.
No eating/drinking/smoking inside the wharenui, as this is considered a ‘tapu’ (sacred) place, and to do these things in the wharenui is an act of desecration to that ‘tapu’.
In a marae it is very bad if you walk over people. This is considered very disrespectful and seen as an offence to an individual’s mana.
Show respect to elders, manuhiri and all others at all times.
Know your role as eg: ‘Hau kainga’ (hosts), ‘Manuhiri’ (visitor).
By Te Ata Tu Year 6