The cultural immersion experience is being hosted at Araiteuru marae in Dunedin. Araiteuru is an urban marae which means that it is not associated with a particular iwi or tribal group, but is for all Māori residents in the city who typically come from other parts of New Zealand.

We will be welcomed on to the marae with a formal Māori welcome (Pōwhiri). We will travel by bus from the University and gather in the marae carpark at 5pm for a briefing on the protocols at this marae. That will also give us an opportunity to practice the waiata or song that will be sung after our speaker who will respond to their speech of welcome. The singing of a waiata indicates support for what has been said by the speaker. We have chosen a simple waiata, below. You can listen to it here.

Shoes should be removed when entering the meeting house, but if disability precludes you from doing so, that’s fine. If you wish to contribute a few dollars towards a koha or donation to the marae, that would be most welcome but not compulsory. A gift is offered as part of the welcome ceremony.

This event will not be available over Zoom.