Whanganui is pronounced with a soft ‘Wh’ rather then the ‘ff’ normally used for ‘wh’ in Maori pronunciation.
We arrive at the front entrance of Whanganui museum. Textile people have a certain look about them. Kind of almost witch like….The people here have that look.
In academic gatherings such as lectures, seminars, and meetings, it is increasingly common to begin with a Māori greeting or Powhiri. This practice acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which the Museum stands and pays respect to Māori ancestors, known as tūpuna. By incorporating Māori greetings into these settings, public bodies demonstrate a commitment to honoring indigenous cultures and fostering a sense of unity and respect among attendees.
The Powhiri greetings on the steps of the Museum was conducted through song. The youngest representative of the Museum seemed to lead the proceedings.
After following each other inside. More song happened. Then we were encouraged to Handshake or Hongi:(traditional Māori greeting where noses are pressed together).
Amazingly the Maori elder who i met instantly said ‘aaaah Cymru’ to me. He said he had once had a Welsh Uncle and knew a few Welsh phrases. Wediscussed the similarities in our bilingual societies…
We walked past a long maori boat in to the main auditorium at the Museum and then it all began to unfold….