Aotearoa: Entering the village

Kia ora! …and welcome to 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. The marae is named Te Aroha nui o te Iwi Māori, which means, the Great Love of the Māori People, commemorating the love of the those people who helped establish the Polynesian Cultural Center.

The marae-ātea, or courtyard, in front of the buildings is a special place where traditions and customs are still practiced, including formal protocols such as the pōwhiri or welcome ceremony. As you visit today, you too may have the opportunity to experience a traditional Māori welcome from the hosts of the marae.

During the pōwhiri , you will hear the plaintive cry of the karanga, a call of welcome, extended to those here in the present and to the memory of those who have passed.

We invite you to explore our beautiful marae, meet our Hau Kāinga (hosts) and experience our beautiful culture.

Nau mai, haere mai…! Welcome…!