Meeting and Greeting Etiquette

Maori adhere to ceremonial and have specific customs for greeting and saying goodbye to guests. The powhiri process, a formal welcome that takes place on a marae, may be used to practice the welcoming customs if the commercial interactions are with a tribal community (Iwi). Depending on the significance of the event, a powhiri might last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2-3 hours.

The procedure starts by summoning the guests to the area in front of the traditional meeting place. Visitors should proceed in a group and keep quiet, and they should anticipate to react to the caller from the homeowners if they have a responsive caller (usually an older woman). A Powhiri determines who speaks, where people sit within a group, and in what position.

You will typically, but not always, observe that the guys are seated in the front and that only men speak. There is conflict between the sexes on this issue, but in other places it has been settled, therefore both sexes will stand to speak. Always take the lead from the people at home to avoid producing conflict in your business operations. The most revered speaker or elder always concludes the welcoming speeches, which are delivered by the home people's chosen speakers.