karanga

Karanga is a ceremonial call performed by women on the marae as the opening element of a pōwhiri, the traditional Māori welcome. It serves to initiate the encounter between the hosts (tangata whenua) and the visitors (manuhiri), acknowledge ancestors, and establish the tone of hospitality and respect for the proceedings.

The performance is typically delivered by kaikaranga, women from the host group, who stand at the marae ātea, the open forecourt in front of the meeting house. The karanga invites the visitors to approach and participate in the welcome, while also presenting whakapapa and connections to the land and to the ancestors. In many marae, more than one kaikaranga may participate, and there are communities where the voices of both sides interact through successive calls and responses.

Linguistically, karanga is characterized by stylized Māori speech, metaphor, and ritual cadence. The language often honors ancestors, acknowledges the mana of both groups, and emphasizes concepts such as manaakitanga (hospitality) and whanaungatanga (kinship). The karanga is followed by other elements of the pōwhiri, including waiata (songs) and whaikōrero (formal speeches), and culminates in the shared rituals of greeting, sometimes including a hongi (the pressing of noses).

Cultural significance: karanga is regarded as a central and highly skilled practice within Māori ceremonial protocol. It requires training, sensitivity to iwi and marae-specific protocols, and is a valued expression of manaakitanga and identity. The practice varies among iwi and marae but remains a cornerstone of traditional welcome ceremonies.