Orientation

Orientation day was more an introduction to Maori culture than an orientation to the hospital. All the new staff members of the Hawke’s Bay District Health Board gathered for the pohiri (welcome) at the gate to the Marae (meeting house) for the formal welcome ceremony. Women were lined up in the front of the group and men towards the back. It started with the Karanga or ceremonial call of welcome by the Tangata Whenua (Host from the Maori health unit). Then we, the Manuhiri (guests) quietly proceeded forward to the entrance where we removed our shoes before entering the building. I was told the purpose the Karanga is to weave a spiritual rope allowing safe passage for the guests to precede into the Marae. I was also informed the reason men walk behind the women is to act as guardians and protect them from being attacked. Although, the one scrawny looking Englishmen in the group didn’t look like he could do much if any marauding Maori tribes decided to show up.
There were two speakers, one for the hosts and one appointed for the guests. Once everyone had entered the Marae, the staff from the Maori health unit stood and sang a waiata (chant), and then we had to stand and sing in response. We all stood at the appropriate time and sang the Maori version of the national anthem. We also had to stand and introduce ourselves. The Maori say their mountain and river, depending on which tribe they come from, as well as their name. I was a little disappointed that all I could say was I was from the land of California; no specific mountain or river. And that was my first introduction to Maori culture. Not the traditional orientation day that I was expecting.