Māori Week Preparation

Māori Week at Otago Medical School provides students with an immersive opportunity to engage with te ao Māori — the Māori world — through language, music (waiata), cultural protocols, and the practice of mihimihi. This preparation is foundational for meaningful participation.

The mihimihi is the central practice to prepare. A mihimihi establishes identity, origins, and connections. The structure follows a conventional form: greeting (Tēnā koutou katoa — greetings to everyone), name (Ko [name] taku ingoa), origin (Nō [place] ahau), current place of study or work (Kei [place] whakaihu waka ahau e ako ana — I study at [place]), and closing greeting (Nō reira tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa — and so, I give you all greetings once, twice, and thrice).

Waiata (songs) are an important part of Māori cultural engagement and are often sung as a group in formal contexts. Common waiata in New Zealand include Purea Nei and He Honore — both of which are used at the University of Otago in Māori contexts. Other widely known waiata include E toru ngā mea and Te Aroha. Learning waiata demonstrates respect and willingness to participate in Māori culture.

Key vocabulary used in mihimihi: Ko = used before specific nouns to identify. Taku = mine. Nō = of, belonging to, from. Ahau = I, me. Kei = at. Ako = to learn, study, instruct, teach, advise. Reira = the place, time, or circumstance mentioned before.

Preparation for Māori Week includes: practising mihimihi pronunciation; learning at least one waiata; familiarising yourself with basic tikanga for formal Māori gatherings (e.g., entering a marae, participating in pōwhiri); and reflecting on your own cultural identity and biases as preparation for engaging respectfully with Māori communities.