Karakia

It is difficult to adequately and appropriately translate the word ‘karakia’ into English. Perhaps the most neutral translation would be ‘chant’. In te ao Māori karakia are used for many different purposes and they can be classified as Taketake (traditional Māori), Karitiana (Christian) or non-religious. There are also multiple types of karakia. Please feel welcome to join in when we are saying them.

Karakia - Timatanga (Start)

At our kura we use karakia to begin our day or when starting a hui, meeting or event. The intention is to focus our minds on the work ahead for the day, or hui, or event so that it may proceed smoothly - set the scene for the day/hui/event. 

Karakia mo te kai (Food)

Before eating we use karakia to thank our environment for providing for us and acknowledge those who have prepared the food (kaimahi). 

Karakia - Whakakapi (Closing) 

Generally, when ending a day/hui/event a karakia is said to acknowledge or thank everyone for their effort in meeting their outcomes for the day/hui/event.