Tikanga for te Hokianga Mai
The ‘process’ will start with Karakia in the sheds, after having gathered together at 6 am, where the carvings are currently sitting. This will facilitate the beginnings of the ‘clearing of the pathway’ as the carvings begin the journey home, to Whare Māia.
As the carvings come out of the shed (it should be the start of daybreak by now) there will be karanga as they are being placed on the truck.
While the carvings are being transported to the front of Whare Māia, the marae ātea, we will gather at the front of Whare Māia to Karanga them onto the ātea and begin the pōwhiri to bring them home. It will be necessary for us to be inside the fence, but not up close to the scaffolding. After karanga, whaikōrero and waiata will happen, followed by kai whakanoa. After kai whakanoa people may leave BUT myself and my seniors will remain with the carvings and at the Whare until they are all back in place. We will be inside Whare Māia while this happens, or sometimes outside of the fence. This is a time for us to sing, haka, celebrate and welcome our whakairo home so Māia will be fully clothed once again.
The tikanga behind us remaining at the whare is this:
Once we have a hold of the spiritual ropes to haul our carvings back and return them to their rightful place we cannot let go of those ropes until they are no longer needed. We are the connection.
Please note that staff are welcome at any time during the day to come and sit with us to sing, celebrate, tell stories etc as we welcome the carvings home.
