07 May 2009

Powhiri 4th May 2009: Maori Welcoming Ceremony for IPC New Students and Staff Members

By Shirley Ghozalli. Edited by Moira Blake.

The Powhiri, as reported in the local newspaper, the Manawatu Standard, 5th May edition

On the morning of Monday, 4th May, the Powhiri took place in the IPC Recreation Centre. A Powhiri is a traditional Maori welcome ceremony and one is held annually at IPC the day before the Commencement Ceremony. Both are formal ceremonies to welcome new students and new staff members - the Manuhiri - to IPC and to the local community.

The Tangata Whenua or local people are the hosts. They are elders and members of the Rangitane community of the Manawatu region and the existing IPC staff and students, supported this year by students from the Palmerston North Girls High School Kapa Haka group.

The ceremony began at 10.00 am with a clear call (Karanga) from Ms Kiwa Whareaitu on behalf of the Tangata Whenua, who were seated in the Recreation Centre. Responding with a similar call on behalf of the Manuhiri, Mrs Kararaina Tait led the Manuhiri in, together with other elders from the Rangitane community. As the group moved slowly in, the Palmerston North Girls High School group performed a Haka Powhiri, a stirring chant of welcome.

Next, when all the Manuhiri were seated, the Reverend Bob Hina said a Karakia (prayer) and then the speakers for each group took turns to express thoughts appropriate to the occasion. Each speech was followed by a Waiata (song) sung by the supporters of the speaker.

The Reverend Bob spoke first on behalf of the Tangata Whenua. He spoke in both Maori and English, welcoming the new members, the guests and the community's existing members and blessing this rare occasion where everyone could be together in the same place. A waiata sung by the students from Palmerston North Girls High School followed his speech.

In his welcome on behalf of the existing staff, IPC Dean of International Studies, Mr Peter Finch, compared the IPC community to a lake with its streams providing fresh water, food and new inhabitants to regenerate the ecosystem in the lake. Similarly, for IPC the constant flow of new people regenerates the life of the community. Peter also encouraged the existing students to welcome the new students and pass on to them all the good things they have learnt at IPC. Peter's speech was followed by the waiata "He Honore", sung by the existing staff members.

Next, speaking first in English, IPC Students Association President, Greg Ng, welcomed the new students, encouraging them to be involved in activities outside the classroom. Greg also expressed his welcome in Japanese, for the benefit of the visiting parents from Japan. Then, instead of a waiata, the IPC Taiko Drum Team gave a performance. This concluded the speeches from the Tangata Whenua.

It needs to be noted that because the Taiko Drum performance was so powerful, it received a round of applause from the audience. However participants in a Powhiri are not supposed to clap after a speech or song. This is because the participants are advised to be quiet and humble, in order to show respect for the people present and due to the importance of the occasion.

The first speaker for the Manuhiri, a member of the Rangitane community, Huataki Whareaitu, spoke in both Maori and English. A waiata by Mrs Kararaina Tait followed the speech.

This year, the new IPC President, Wayne Edwards, spoke on behalf of the new staff members. Wayne welcomed the new students and staff, who had travelled from many different places and were gathered together that day at IPC. He also encouraged the new students to both enjoy life and do their best at IPC. Following the speech, the new staff members sang the waiata "E Toru nga Mea".

On behalf of new students, Jason Geange conveyed gratitude for having the opportunity to study at IPC and also the hope of being able to discover many new things, and at the same time to enjoy the experience.

Closing the ceremony, Reverend Bob Hina said the concluding prayer, and then invited the Manuhiri to take part in the Hongi - the ceremonial Maori greeting in which people gently press noses. After the Hongi, the Manuhiri and the Tangata Whenua moved to the dining hall to have lunch together.

More photos can be viewed at: Powhiri 2009 Photo Album. NEW

The Reverend Bob Hina saying a Karakia and extending a welcome to everyone	New students from various countries listening thoughtfully to the speeches	The Taiko Drum Team performing
IPC President Wayne Edwards speaking on behalf of the new staff members	Jason Geange speaking on behalf of the new students	The Palmerston North Girls High School group giving an impressive song and dance performance

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