1.

Blowing of the pūtatara and pūkaea (traditional māori instrument). The purpose of this is to alert the iwi (host tribe) that people are coming. When we do it for events, its an alarm to our group to be ready.

2.

The karanga (the call). The purpose of the karanga is to open up the veil to the spiritual world to be the anchor that navigates the unknown between the iwi and the manuhiri. In Te Ao Māori, the anchor has to be fixed in place as you never know the true intentions behind the arrival of newcomers. We karanga in events not just to protect us and provide that anchor, but to in its full essence, welcome those that are new to our whenua – our land.

3.

The haka pōwhiri. This represents our identity. We perform the haka pōwhiri (the welcoming haka) as this tells people who we are, it tells our story, it tells our history, it tells our legacy.

4.

Karakia & Mihimihi. Opening prayer and the formal greeting to all of the manuhiri (visitors).

5.

Waiata tautoko. The waiata tautoko is a waiata that supports and acknowledges the speaker, and it is often a song that reflects the speakers kaupapa (topic).