Ensuring a Safe Operations Your children are safe in our program. Learn More
Tikanga tips.
Te iwi ē
Tikanga is a fundamental Māori concept rooted in traditional practices and principles. The term "tikanga" is a combination of 'tika,' meaning 'correct,' and 'ngā,' the plural form. In the context of cultural practices and customs, the term "tikanga" collectively refers to the appropriate way or action to be taken at a specific moment. It encapsulates all aspects related to the propriety, correctness, and adherence to established norms and expectations within a given community or setting. "Tikanga" embodies a set of principles that govern the conduct of individuals and groups, often informed by cultural values, beliefs, and traditions. As such, it is a crucial aspect of maintaining social order and cohesion.
In everyday use, tikanga refers to an individual's behavior and routine. Formally, it encompasses a wide range of elements, including values, culture, protocols, customs, ethics, etiquette, sustainability, and legal principles.
The foundational principles underlying tikanga are shared across New Zealand, however, it is important to note that variations exist among different iwi (tribes), hapū (sub-tribes), and marae (Māori meeting places). As a result, it is advisable to consult with local authorities, schools, and the Māori community to ensure the appropriate tikanga is observed in a specific area.
Tapu and Noa.
To understand tikanga better you have to understand what tapu and noa are. Watch this great informative video that explains the Māori concepts of tapu and noa.
Heads.
Māori people consider the head tapu (sacred). Without permission, avoid touching it.
Food.
It is customary to wait for one of your hosts to say a blessing before beginning to eat. It is important to avoid passing food over anyone's head. This is because there are many Māori rituals and practices that involve food. In a teaching and learning setting, it is common for Māori to share food as a way of welcoming people, celebrating success, or building relationships. However, food also has an important role in removing tapu, so it must be handled with care around things that are considered tapu.
Tables.
It is advisable to avoid sitting on tables, especially those with food on them or those that are likely to have food on them at any point. It is also recommended to avoid placing bags on tables. Instead, it is better to place them on the floor or a chair. The reason for this is that sitting on tables or putting bags on them is considered unhygienic. Additionally, not sitting on tables is linked to Māori beliefs about the tapu nature of bodily wastes and the need to keep them separate from food.
Shoes.
Take your shoes off before entering a Māori meeting house (Marae) or someone's home. If you are in a school setting and the adults have taken their shoes off, it would be appropriate for you to take your shoes off too to show respect.
Speaking.
It is important to avoid entering or crossing a room while someone in authority is addressing an audience. To avoid causing offense, it is recommended to wait quietly by the door until there is a break in the dialogue. If that is not possible, enter the room as discreetly as possible. If you must walk in front of the speaker, try to crouch down as a sign of respect. This is because traditionally, Māori society is very hierarchical, and crossing in front of a more senior person is considered rude.
Stepping.
It is important to avoid stepping over people, even in crowded teaching spaces when you are trying to find a suitable seat. Instead, you should ask the person to draw their legs in first or find another route. This is because, from a Māori cultural perspective, it is considered offensive for a woman to step over a man.
Koha.
When visiting someone's home or marae, it is customary to offer a gift or some sort of offering. In other situations, koha can refer to the gathering of something to help cover the expenses for an event or an item purchased on behalf of someone for a special occasion.
Hats.
Avoid placing hats on food tables. This is because in te ao Māori, heads are considered tapu, and anything related to heads, such as hats or pillows, should be treated with care. Take your hat off during karakia and any ceremonial gatherings such as pōwhiri or whakatau.
Pōwhiri or whakatau.
Pōwhiri are welcoming ceremonies and schools usually hold pōwhiri at the beginning of each term to welcome new students or they can be held to welcome visiting guests to the school such as ERO. Whakatau are similar to pōwhiri but are less formal. It is highly recommended that you speak to your school and ask what the tikanga or protocol for these ceremonial events as each mana whenua will have their own tikanga or kawa. Below is a basic guideline of what you could expect at a pōwhiri but again, it may differ from school to school and region to region, therefore, seeking guidance from local iwi, hapū and mana whenua is highly reccommended.
Mana wāhine.
In te ao Māori, the role of both men and women are considered equal and balance each other out. Only wahine should do a karanga or a ceremonial call in any event.
Mana tāne.
Men are only allowed to do whaikōrero (formal speeches) and sit on the paepae tapu (the seats in front where men sit for the whaikōrero). Although in some iwi, women have been able to whaikōrero.
Kawa.
During pōwhiri, there are two primary types of kawa.
-
Tau Utuutu or Tū atu, tū mai: Involves a sequence where a speaker from the tangata whenua side begins, followed by a speaker from the manuhiri (visitors) side. This pattern continues in alternating fashion, but the tangata whenua side always concludes the sequence.
-
Pāeke: Involves all the speakers from the tangata whenua side speak first, and subsequently, all the speakers from the manuhiri side respond.
Waiata tautoko.
Following each whaikōrero, a performance of waiata tautoko, a song that concludes the whaikōrero, takes place. The significance and purpose of the waiata tautoko are crucial as it reinforces the prestige of the respective group (either tangata whenua or manuhiri).
Koha.
At the end of the whaikōrero, the manuhiri will express gratitude to the tangata whenua by presenting a koha, which is a gift. This gesture symbolises appreciation for the hospitality (manaakitanga) received. Typically, a representative from the manuhiri, often their last speaker, enters the marae atea and places the koha in front of the tangata whenua. Subsequently, one of the tangata whenua speakers retrieves the gift. The kaikaranga (caller) may acknowledge the koha. In modern times, the koha is commonly in the form of money, whereas in the past, it could have been food or valuable treasures.
Kai.
The completion of the whakanoa process (see video above for tapu and noa) in the pōwhiri, signifying the removal of tapu from the manuhiri, involves the sharing of kai and/or a cup of tea. In a gesture of respect, the manuhiri are served first, followed by kaumātua and tamariki, and then the pakeke. The elders and children from the tangata whenua are served next, and finally, everyone else. The sharing of kai symbolise the unification of the tangata whenua and the manuhiri as they come together for the remainder of the hui.
Reference list:
What is tikanga. (n.d.). Aotea made. https://aoteamade.co.nz/blogs/journal/what-is-tikanga
Tikanga tips. (n.d.). Victoria University of Wellington. https://www.wgtn.ac.nz/maori-hub/rauemi/tikanga-tips
Societal lore (tikanga) in Māori culture. (n.d.). University of Otago. https://www.otago.ac.nz/maori/world/tikanga/lore
1News. (2023). Tikanga Māori 101 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lf5kuHEtdhQ
Pōwhiri. (n.d.). University of Otago. https://www.otago.ac.nz/maori/world/tikanga/powhiri