Mihi Whakatau

At KingsWay School, we adopt the tikanga of mihi whakatau, or the practice of officially speaking words of welcome to new students and staff. In the same way that Gentiles are grafted into the vine to become part of God’s family, we see the mihi whakatau as the formal integration of new people into the KingsWay whanau. Unlike previous years, we called upon a delegation of tangata whenua (existing members of our community) to welcome manuhiri (visitors) at both the Primary and Secondary campuses. This smaller gathering allowed us to continue with the practice of welcoming guests in an intimate and meaningful setting, while continuing to adhere to COVID-19 protocols.

Our school Kaiāwhina opened with karakia tīmatanga (opening prayer), with Kaiārahi offering words of explanation and welcome. Courageous members of the manuhiri offered their counter greetings, and each whaikōrero (speech) was supported by a waiata (song) to reiterate the warmth of welcome and message given by each party. Toward the end of the proceedings, representatives from each group shared hā mamao or a ‘long distance’ hongi. The leader of the manuhiri also moved from the side of the guests to the hosts. These symbolic gestures signify the assimilation of manuhiri as whanau.

While we could not share a meal together as per tikanga Māori, the mihi whakatau ended with a blessing prayed over all present, recognising that all are one people in Christ.