Pōwhiri

On the first day of the semester, ākonga (students) are formally welcomed into WITT with a pōwhiri.  You will receive a pānui (notice) confirming the time of your pōwhiri.   Ākonga returning to continue their studies, go straight to class.

The pōwhiri process

When you come to WITT for the first time, you will be welcomed to the WITT whānau with a pōwhiri. If this is your first pōwhiri, you may be wondering how this welcoming ceremony works. Below is a short guide to help you understand and make the most of this experience.

Karanga

Before the pōwhiri begins the manuhiri (ākonga, new kaimahi) gather out the front of Te Piere o Te Rangi.  Female kaimahi (staff), Māori will karanga (call) you to come into the whare.

Approach

Wāhine (women) lead the procession follwed by the tane (men).  However, tane go into the whare first.  In days gone by they would enter the whare first, as an act of protect for the wāhine.

Once inside the whare

You will be greeted with a hongi (traditional greeting) from the WITT staff. Hongi is a traditional greeting and involves touching noses and foreheads. The hongi symbolises a sharing of breath, thoughts and emotions.  Due to the COVID experience, it is polite not to hongi.  Alternative options include:

  • Touching elbow to elbow
  • Putting your hand to your heart and dipping your head to the person in front of you.
  • If you are wearing a mask this will be taken as a sign 'not to hongi'

After the hongi (or alternative) you will then be directed to take a seat.  To continue the act of safety tane will sit in the front row.  .

Whaikōrero 

Once everyone is seated the whaikōrero (formal speeches) will start. There is a pāeke (order of speaking) that is Taranaki protocol. WITT representives speak first and after each speaker a waiata will be sung in support of what has been said.  The manuhiri (visitors) have the opportunity to respond as well.  Whaikōrero are always performed in te reo Māori.  Always.

When the formal speeches are complete we shift into English.  This is the time representatives from the different schools will say a few words.

Kai (food)

When all of the welcome messages are complete the pōwhiri finishes with sharing kai (food).  A karakia (blessing) is said to  give thanks for the food.

Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki is part of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology Learn more

Learn with purpose

Explore Te Pukenga

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Te Kāwanatanga o Aotearoa - New Zealand Government

Copyright © 2025 Western Institute of Technology at Taranaki