Aotearoa: Entering the village

Kia ora! …and welcome to the Islands of Aotearoa - the Land of the Long White Cloud – or as you may know it, New Zealand!

Before you is a unique Māori setting known as a marae. This marae is named ‘Te Arohanui o Te Iwi Māori’, which means, the Great Love of the Māori People. The name commemorates Te Arohanui Māori Company who were the first Māori Performing Arts group here at the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The marae is comprised of the courtyard and surrounding buildings. Traditions and customs are still practiced here, including the protocols of welcoming visitors.

Our Māori Performing Arts presentation is held inside the ancestral meeting house ‘Hawaikiroa’ and provides a glimpse of these protocols as practiced by the hosts of the marae. You will hear the ‘karanga’ a call of welcome and a ‘mihi’ or speech of welcome. Traditional chanted song-poetry will be shared to support the words of the speaker.

We invite you to explore our beautiful marae, meet the ‘Iwi Kāinga’ (hosts) and experience the uniqueness and beauty of Māori culture.

Nau mai, haere mai…! Welcome…!