TIKANGA

Te Kawa o Te Arawa is practised on Te Takinga Marae. This kawa was set in 1975 at a meeting of Te Arawa elders. According to our kawa the system of speech making is Tau Ututu, where the tangata whenua open the speech making and alternate with the manuhiri until the last speaker, who must be tangata whenua. Women do not speak on the marae but are the first voices to be heard on the marae when they give the karanga.

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Basic Tikanga/etiquette guidelines during your visit.

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Tikanga or Conduct on the marae is very general in nature; it is based respect for yourself, others and your surroundings and on common sense.

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In the Wharenui - Te Takinga

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•   You should not just walk onto a marae; you need to be welcomed on.

•   Remove your shoes and hats before going into the Wharenui.

•   Do not stand up or walk in front of the speaker, walk around instead.

•   Permission must be given before using cameras.

•   Please do not eat or drink in the Wharenui/Meeting house or in the surrounding area o the Wharenui.

•   Please do not sit on the pillows.

 

 

In the Wharekai - Hineora

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Manuhiri (visitors) will be called in for food. It is polite to let Kaumätua (elders) go first.

Often the person calling people in for food will say who should come first.

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•   Wait until a karakia/grace/prayer has been said before eating.

•   Do not pass food over a person's head in the Wharekai.

•   Please do not sit on the tables.

•   Smoking is not permitted in or around the Wharenui or Wharekai. Please ask where the designated smoking area is.

•   Manuhiri take their lead from tangata whenua, if you are unsure about something just ask

 

 

Please be aware that as a marae, tangihanga (funeral) take precedence over all bookings the Marae is required to facilitate tangihanga, then your event will be postponed or transferred to a marae nearby - if possible- and monies paid to date will be refunded promptly.