paepae

Paepae is a Māori term for a raised platform or dais used on a marae, typically located in front of the meeting house (wharenui) or within the marae enclosure. It serves as the place where guests of honor sit and where speakers address the gathering during formal proceedings.

The paepae carries cultural significance as a symbol of hospitality, authority, and governance within tikanga. Those on the paepae are recognized as hosts or speakers, and the space helps establish etiquette, respect, and the proper order of speech and ceremony. Visitors acknowledge the status of the speakers on the paepae and respond or address them in accordance with customary practice.

In practice, speakers ascend to the paepae to present, respond, or lead discussion. The act of speaking from the paepae is often described as taking the paepae. Etiquette includes waiting for permission, showing deference, and observing the customary order of speakers, listening attentively, and choosing appropriate timing and topics.

Today, paepae remains a central feature of marae protocol and cultural expression. It is encountered in formal ceremonies and in discussions of Māori governance and community leadership. The term can also be used metaphorically to denote taking a central or authoritative speaking role in non-marae contexts.