Wairakei Primary School is fortunate to have guidance from members of Te Kapa o Te Rangiita ki Ōruanui on aspects of Māori culture. As our pōwhiri takes place at a school and not on a marae some modifications are necessary. Having this partnership keeps the integrity of the pōwhiri intact if any changes are made. Our senior boys are now supported by male teachers and the seating arrangement has been changed to allow for a better flow. A waiata that was written especially for us is now part of the ceremony.
Matua Grant instructs the new leaders about the protocols and the reasons behind them. This sharing of knowledge gives the students a deep understanding of the process. They learn that the pōwhiri removes the tapu (restrictions) of the manuhiri (visitors) to make them noa (equal) with the tangata whenua (hosts). A handshake, hug or hongi is exchanged as a symbolic show of unity. The formal proceedings are followed by the sharing of kai and a group photo is taken.
When I first started it was nerve wracking, and then it got easier and easier. Chloe, Freya, and myself used to practise in the classroom and I got more confident. Being a pōwhiri leader was really fun because everyone was so nice and supportive.
It feels a little bit sad because I won’t be doing it anymore. It is really cool passing on our pōwhiri scripts to the Year 5’s who are going to be the next people. Being a pōwhiri leader is something I will remember for the rest of my life.
It’s been cool being a pōwhiri leader. I liked meeting new people like the Intermediate principal. When I was saying my pepeha I was nervous on the inside and on the outside I was proud telling everyone where I am from. I am a bit sad that I am leaving and a bit happy that others are wanting to do it next year. It felt good embracing other people and sharing my culture. In my end of year speech I have spoken about the pōwhiri and kapa haka but I’m going to keep that a secret until the dinner. It’s been cool having Seth as my apprentice but he didn’t get to say anything because I was never away. No way was I going to miss being in a pōwhiri.
I think learning from the Year 6’s was really helpful. I don’t think I would have been able to pronounce the words without anyone’s help. I am looking forward to teaching the Year 5’s and being a support for them. I learned that being a pōwhiri leader meant I needed to show Respect and POWER.
The previous year 6’s helped me with correct pronunciation. I think it is important for the Year 6’s to help with this because correct pronunciation is important in the Māori culture. You might not get it right from just reading the script.
I want to be a pōwhiri leader because I like learning new things. I am already in the kapa haka and I want to learn more about the Māori culture. It might be the only time I get the opportunity to do it, and it will be fun.
I really like taking opportunities to be a leader and help other people. Being a powhiri leader means you can welcome other people to the school and tell them it’s not a scary place. You can tell them they can make friends and do lots of fun learning.
I want to be a pōwhiri leader because it gives me a leadership opportunity. I want to be able to welcome other people into the school. I have been in kapa haka for four years. Being a pōwhiri leader is the next step of my learning. My goal is to be a karanga caller or support person.
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