Whakatau

Last week the hospital had an official "whakatau" or welcome for its new doctors. This was done in traditional Maori fashion, as a way to welcome us to the community. The protocols used are essentially what is done when going to a marae or meeting house. I'll try to describe the process. We entered the room as a group (with a Maori representative since we don't know the protocols) and the elder woman from the welcoming group called out in song. The woman in our group answered and they went back and forth for awhile until we entered into the room and sat down, the men in front of the women ("to protect the potential future generations"). The elder from the welcoming family speaks first, and this was a local Maori elder who is involved with the hospital board. He has a very long name, which I could not hope to remember, but he says "most people call me uncle Bill". He gave quite a long speech in Maori, then translated into English. He was essentially extending his gratitude for us caring for his people and hoping that we stay. It was quite touching. In return, a member of our group was to respond, this was Sachin since he was the only male in our group. He spoke in Gujarati (they were very keen on people using their native language) and introduced all of us in the group. We then sang together and greeted each person in the group with the hongi, which is when you press noses and foreheads with the person you are greeting. It is in this way you share the breath of life or your essence given by Atua (God) with eachother. We finished by sharing tea and biscuts and getting to know eachother. All in all, it was a very welcoming and touching experience.