It was great to welcome our new students and staff with a Mihi Whakatau this morning.

Mihi whakatau is the Māori term used to describe a formal speech of welcome. Mihi whakatau is traditionally used for welcoming, introductions, openings  which take place off the marae.

A mihi whakatau is a speech (or speeches) of greeting made during an official welcome to acknowledge those gathered together for a particular purpose. While a pōwhiri is a ritual of encounter used on the marae, a mihi whakatau is reserved for a welcome which is conducted off the marae (for example, to open an event or conference at the school).

Our school term is always opened with a mihi whakatau. This is a Māori form of welcome that follows principles and values (tikanga) that have been adhered to in this land over many centuries.

to mihi is to greet

whakatau is to settle

The mihi whakatau process has as its intention the coming together of two groups to unite as one. In a traditional Māori sense the visitors status as tapu (sacred) is transformed to a state of noa (common, free from tapu) through the various processes undertaken including the karakia, hongi and sharing of food.