Customs and correct procedures
Tikanga Māori prevails over the entire domain of Te Herenga Waka Marae.
Marae pakeke Professor Sir Hirini Moko Mead, the late Ruka Broughton, and the late Dr Wiremu Parker collectively established and formalised the marae’s kawa and tikanga in consultation with Te Ātiawa and Ngāti Toa Rangatira. The establishment of kawa and tikanga took place prior to and during the opening of the wharenui in 1986.
The kawa for pōwhiri is pāeke. The marae’s kawa permits only te reo Māori to be used in any of the formal rituals of the marae, such as pōwhiri and mihi whakatau. No non-Māori language is permitted during these rituals.
Strong community bonds and the need for care for social relations and te taiao permeate marae kaupapa. A Māori world view includes a deep belief in whanaungatanga, manaakitanga, kotahitanga and hononga, and aims to uphold these concepts. These cornerstones of Māori understanding, among others, permeate marae kawa and tikanga and everyday life. They inform decisions around how we host guests, how spaces are managed and booked, considerations of well-being and resilience, the way food is served, and much more.
Further information
For a basic introduction to tikanga concepts, visit the tikanga and customary practices guide in our rauemi section.