Marae Protocol — Tikanga for Visitors

What is a Marae?

A marae complex typically includes:

• Wharenui (meeting house): the carved ancestral house, representing a tribal ancestor
• Wharekai (dining hall): where food is prepared and shared
• Marae ātea: the open courtyard in front of the wharenui
• Wharepaku (toilets) and other facilities

The Pōwhiri: Formal Welcome

The pōwhiri is the formal welcome ceremony. Key stages:

1. Karanga: a call of welcome from a woman of the host iwi, answered by a woman from the visiting group.
2. Whaikōrero: formal speeches by elders (kaikōrero) from both sides, usually in Te Reo Māori.
3. Waiata: a song is performed after each speech to support the speaker.
4. Hongi: the pressing of noses, sharing the breath of life (ha).
5. Kai: sharing food, which removes the tapu (sacredness) of the encounter.

Marae Etiquette: Dos and Don'ts

• DO remove your shoes before entering the wharenui.
• DO sit quietly during speeches.
• DO wait to be invited before speaking.
• DO NOT eat or drink inside the wharenui.
• DO NOT sit on pillows or tables: these are considered tapu.
• DO NOT walk across the marae ātea during a pōwhiri: walk around the edge.
• DO NOT sit with your back to the wharenui.
• DO NOT take photos during the pōwhiri without permission.

Gifts and Koha

It is customary to bring a koha (gift or donation) when visiting a marae. This is often monetary and is placed in a designated container or given to the kaikaranga (caller) before the pōwhiri begins. Some marae also accept food donations: check in advance.

What to Wear

Smart casual or formal attire is appropriate. Women often wear skirts or dresses; men may wear trousers and a collared shirt. Avoid wearing hats inside the wharenui: it is considered disrespectful.

Marae in Numbers

There are more than 700 tribal marae (meeting grounds) across New Zealand, each belonging to a particular iwi (tribe), hapū (sub-tribe) or whānau (family). The marae is the community's tūrangawaewae — literally a 'place to stand' — where hui (meetings), tangi (funerals), celebrations and educational programmes are held.

Since the 2023 cyclones, many marae have also become community hubs for disaster response and resilience work, supported by iwi and government funding. Marae are living institutions, not museums — most are busy most weekends.

The Pōwhiri in Depth

The pōwhiri (formal welcome) follows a sequence that can last 30 minutes or more: the karanga (ceremonial call) from a woman of the host iwi, answered by a woman from the visiting group; whaikōrero (formal speeches) by elders from both sides, usually in te reo; waiata (songs) supporting each speaker; the hongi (pressing of noses, sharing the breath of life); and finally kai (food), which lifts the tapu of the encounter and signals that guests are now part of the whānau.

If you are a visitor, you will normally be seated, listen quietly, and may be invited to speak — if so, a short mihi (introduction) is appropriate, and your hosts will guide you. Do not walk across the marae ātea during the ceremony, and never sit on tables or pillows, which are tapu.

Visiting a Marae in 2026: A Practical Guide

• Book ahead: marae stays (noho marae) are arranged through the marae or iwi tourism operators — some are open to individuals, others host groups only.
• Dress smart-casual; women often wear skirts or dresses and men a collared shirt. Remove hats indoors.
• Bring koha — a monetary contribution placed in the designated container, or kai (food) if the marae has confirmed it is welcome.
• Leave shoes at the door of the wharenui, and silence your phone during ceremonies.
• Ask permission before photographing, and never photograph a tangi without explicit consent.
• Expect to share a meal and conversation — accepting the kai completes the welcome.
• A final note on timing: marae visits are usually scheduled around the community's own events, so be flexible. If a tangi (funeral) is in progress, some marae will reschedule or restrict access — this is normal and should be respected without question. Most marae also ask that you stay for the whole pōwhiri rather than arriving late or leaving early.