Te marae: A guide to customs & protocol

by Hiwi Tauroa, Pat Tauroa

Do women have the right to speak on a marae? How should one respond to the wero? Who speaks first and last during whai korero? When do the manuhiri present their koha to the tangata whenua? These and many other questions are answered in this invaluable introduction Maori protocol for Pakehas.

Genres: Nonfiction

168 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Annette McIntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are going to visit a Marae, this is an excellent book to read on what goes on during the powhiri or welcoming ceremony as it gives a break down on every step of the ceremony and what the various protocols mean.

I liked this book so much I've purchased a copy.

[Nikos Engel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had read this before visiting Te Whare Rūnanga. Te Marae offers a clear and accessible introduction to the customs and protocols of the marae, making it an essential read—especially for Pākehā—before attending any formal gathering at a whare. The guidance it provides is both practical and respectful, helping visitors avoid cultural missteps and engage more meaningfully.

I’ve given it 4 out of 5 stars because the section addressing the restricted role of women in marae protocol felt overly defensive. A more neutral or critically reflective tone might have allowed for a deeper, more nuanced engagement with the topic. As it stands, that part risks dating the book as conversations around gender roles continue to evolve.

[Jana Richards · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this book was written in 1986 I'm not sure how relevant the protocol is mentioned in the book. I was invited to my first marae in Auckland when I visited last month. We did not go inside the Marae but we were invited across the courtyard while following our brother who sang the welcome song. This was special because my husband's biological mother was the one instrumental in getting this multi-tribal marae built. There is also a school attached to the marae property.

I'm not sure this book would have meant as much to me if I had not just visited.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Learning so much

[Sierra · Rating 2 out of 5]

While this book was informative, it was hard to look past such typos as "lesson" in the place of "lessen," and even harder to look past their brazen dismissal of gender equality concerns.

[Chani · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has lots of helpful advice!