Tikanga

Heads

Avoid touching another person’s head, unless invited. Māori people regard the head as very tapu (sacred).

Pillows

Avoid sitting directly on pillows or cushions. They can however be used to prop up your back.

Hats

Avoid putting hats on food tables. Why? This is linked to the idea that heads are tapu.

Food

Avoid passing food over anybody’s head. Why? There are many Māori rituals and practices relating to food. It is common for Māori to share food as a means of welcoming people and celebrating success. However, another important function of food is to remove tapu.

Tables and Bags

Avoid sitting on tables, particularly tables with food on them or those likely to have food on them at any point. Avoid putting bags on tables. Instead place them on the floor or a chair. Why? Putting your bottom or carry bag on the table is perceived to be unhygienic. Not sitting on tables is also linked to Māori beliefs about the tapu nature of bodily wastes and the need to keep them separate from food.

Speaking

Avoid entering and crossing a room while someone in authority is addressing an audience. To avoid offence, either wait quietly by the door until there is a break in the dialogue or, when that is not appropriate, enter as discretely as possible. Try not to walk directly in front of the speaker or, if you can not avoid it, crouch down as you pass as a sign of respect. Why? Traditionally Māori society is very hierarchical and crossing in front of a more ‘senior’ person is considered rude.

Stepping

Avoid stepping over people, even in crowded teaching spaces when you are over people trying to find a suitable seat. Ask the person to draw their legs in first, or find another route. Why? From a Māori cultural perspective, it is considered offensive for a woman to step over a man.

Harakeke Protocol

Marae