My New Zealand: Powhiri

Tuesday Dr. Jacobs and all 16 of us were invited to a powhiri at Henderson South Primary School. A powhiri is a traditional Maori welcome done for visitors and those that are new to New Zealand or new to a specific part of the country. It was all very official. To start, a girl called us into the hall with a Maori chant. Traditionally, the guest then calls back and follows the girl in. As we walked in, a boy leads the large group of students in another chant with different arm movements. This was done until we were all in the middle of the room and had seated ourselves. Then one of the deputy principals welcomed us to the community and to their land in Maori. The children sang a beautiful song for us.
Then, Dr. Jacobs got up and introduced himself and the 16 of us. He then read his pepeha in Maori. A pepeha is the way you introduce yourself in New Zealand. Your pepeha tells of the land you are from; what your river and mountain are, who your family is, etc. I know he had practiced this beforehand, but I was still really impressed that Dr. Jacobs read that whole thing in fluid Maori. It is tradition for the guests to bring a koha, or gift, with them to present to the host. Dr. Jacobs brought a really cool Navajo sand painting from home and presented the school with that to hang in their school. Then the girls and I sang a song. We were instructed to stand behind Dr. Jacobs while we sang to show our support for him. The song we sang is so beautiful. I love singing it with the girls. We sing it twice; the first time we sing all together, and the second time we split with some girls singing in harmony. Here are the words to that song:

Te aroha
Te whakapono
Me te rangimarie
Tatou, Tatou e

After we sang our song, the Henderson South principal welcomed us to his school. He explained that now we are a part of them, their community, and their country. Their land is our land; New Zealand is our home. The last part of the powhiri is the hongi. This is a traditional Maori greeting. It involves touching foreheads and noses with someone you are greeting. During the hongi, the Ha (breath of life) is exchanged and intermingled. By doing the hongi with someone you are no longer considered a visitor, but you are one of the people. We all walked in a line and greeted each of the teachers and administrators by doing the hongi and saying, "Kia Ora". It's a different experience getting your face so close to that many strangers. It definitely helps to pop your personal bubble if you have one. But what a cool experience to have! I love the Maori people and the beautiful culture they represent.