Mihi Whakatau

We will open the conference with a Mihi Whakatau or welcome ceremony. The Mihi will take place from 8.30am on 24 January, with all delegates gathering outside the Sir Neil Waters lecture theatre block. The Organising Committee (OC) members will stand together near the front representing the manuhiri (visitors). After the karanga (call) the OC will go inside and hongi with the Ngati Whatua people greeting us. Other manuhiri (guests) will follow, but they don’t need to hongi. Two sets of chairs will be laid out at the front of the main lecture theatre – one set is for Ngāti Whātua and the other is for the OC. Ngāti Whātua will then kōrero (speak) and perform a waiata (song).  In response, Dr Jason Mika will kōrero on behalf of the manuhiri, and then all manuhiri are welcome to join us in singing Tutira mai ngā iwi (the message being that we all need to work together – in line with SDG 17). A karakia (prayer) will conclude proceedings (to followed by kai/morning tea a little later).