Takaanini School Mihi Whakatau:

A mihi whakatau is a Māori welcoming ceremony that brings people together in a respectful and meaningful way. It is used to formally welcome visitors, acknowledge those who have arrived, and create a sense of connection and belonging.

At Takanini School, we hold a mihi whakatau at the start of each term to welcome new students, staff, and their whānau. The ceremony includes a whaikōrero (spoken welcome) delivered by male students and or staff, along with the singing of waiata. This sets the tone for how we come together as a school community and helps everyone feel settled as they begin their journey with us. The information below outlines what will happen on the day and how the whakatau will proceed.

What to Expect

Usually, at 10am on the first Friday of each term (subject to change), our school holds a mihi whakatau, which is a traditional Māori welcome, which means to settle. This is our way of welcoming new students and staff, along with their families, into the Takaanini School community. You are very welcome to bring extended family plus anyone who is important to your child as they begin their learning journey at Takaanini School. 

After consultation with our school wide community, including staff, parents and the Board of Trustees, as well as consultation with local Kaumatua, we have developed our own school tikanga (customs or procedures) for our school whakatau, to reflect the visions and values of our school.

How we will proceed with our whakatau: 

• The manuhiri (visitors) will gather on the courts at the back of the school hall, then a staff member will lead you into the whakatau.  

• The manuhiri (visitors) will be lead in by a Karanga, ceremonial call, at our whakatau.

• The tangata whenua (hosts) will be seated facing the manuhiri (visitors) to welcome you. 

•  You will take a seat on the manuhiri side -  traditionally men sit in the front row ….

• A mihi (welcome speech) will be made by a representative of the school. Then the school and staff will stand and sing a waiata (song) to support the speaker’s message.  (There may be other speakers; a waiata will follow each speech.  Speakers are welcome to speak in any language they feel comfortable with, however, a greeting in Te Reo Māori is encouraged. 

• A representative from the manuhiri (visitors) will respond, then the group will stand and sing to support the speaker, a waiata. The group will sit down.   

• The last speaker will then be from the school. The School Principal or her representative will speak.  

• Hariru – the hosts and new families involved will shake hands, hongi (nose to nose) or kiss. 

• Most students will go back to class at this point. 

• Takaanini School will offer a simple morning tea or kai for parents to share. A karakia kai (grace) will be recited before manuhiri are invited to eat. All new tamariki will also share kai together.  This concludes the whakatau and signifies the coming together of the visitors and Takaanini School.