Past Congresses

Opening Ceremony

The IIC Congress 2022 will begin with a Mihi Whakatau in the National Library Auditorium.

The mihi whakatau is a form of welcome in Māori.  Registered delegates will gather in the foyer outside the auditorium to be welcomed by the hosts.  One of the roles of the mihi whakatau is to remove the tapu (restrictions) of the manuhiri (visitors) to make them one with the tangata whenua (hosts).

The mihi whakatau will be conducted primarily in the Māori language. Below is an overview of the welcome.

Mihi whakatau procedure

  • Karanga
  • All manuhiri will be guided to their seats in the auditorium
  • Hosts will invite manuhiri to move across to harirū/shake hands and hongi/press noses.  In this instance at this will be selected manuhiri
  • A karakia/blessing is recited
  • Followed by a mihi/speech by the hosts
  • When host speeches are completed manuhiri/visitors will be invited to speak
  • All speeches are followed by a waiata tautoko/song of support
  • This is followed by partaking in kai/food

Karanga: (Female call) is a unique form of female oratory in which women bring a range of imagery and cultural expression to the first calls of welcome (and response).  This is where key information is exchanged between both parties which could be inclusive of where the group is from and the reason for their visit.

Whaikōrero: (Oratory speech) refers to the formal speeches or the exchange of greetings made by the speakers (usually male) from both sides.  The kaupapa (purpose) of the occasion is discussed, as might the current issues and concerns.

Waiata: Is a song that is sung after each kaikōrero (speaker) has finished. It upholds the mana of that group and embellishes the exchanges made during the whaikōrero.