POWHIRI FOR SONDRA RAY

Nga Kete Wananga Marae, Manukau Institute of Technology, Otara, South Auckland, New Zealand, November 10th, 2006.
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This was the first time Sondra has been officially welcomed to Aoteoroa/New Zealand by Tangata Whenua (the indigenous peoples of the land). This is done by way of a Powhiri (traditional Maori welcoming ceremony).

Sondra and other visitors, Manuhiri, gathered outside the gates of the marae (place of gathering) and were lead by Teawhina Riwaka. Teawhina is a highly respected Tohunga (maori traditional healer) living in Wellington NZ. She and Sondra met on a previous visit to New Zealand in 2003 and Sondra has written about Teawhina in her recent book, Pele’s Wish.

The ceremony began when Jackie, Kaikaranga for the Tangata Whenua (the indigenous people of the land and this Marae), standing outside the Wharenui (meeting house), called out a welcome to the visitors and the ancestors that came with them.

This Karanga (welcoming call) was replied to by Teawhina, Kaikaranga for the Manuhiri, who offered a prayer of thanks to God and an acknowledgement of the ancestors for the welcome. Teawhina called forth the visitors’ intention to enter the marae respectfully and by the front door as friends, not secretly as enemies.

The exchange of welcome and reply was repeated twice, each time the Kaikaranga for the hosts moving back toward the doorway and the visitors approaching by stages.

Each response by Teawhina included thanks to the ancestors for their guidance to this place and a reassurance that the visitors came in peace. She also noted that this was the first time Sondra had been welcomed by the Tangata Whenua of Aoteoroa.
When Sondra and her companions reached the mahau (the flat space in front of the door) they removed their shoes, out of respect and stepped inside the Wharenui.

Once inside, the ceremony was continued by the men, beginning with the main representative for the hosts. The men sat in front of the women on what is known as the paepae. In times gone by these ceremonies were conducted outdoors and the men would sit on logs opposite one another with the women sitting behind. It was for the men to protect the women, some of whom may be hapu (pregnant).
On this occasion the maori hosts were accompanied by Patricia Wylie, Ngai Tahu, who, together with Frederic Cherri, her business partner in Health from Within, was responsible for bringing Sondra to New Zealand. Other members of the Assistants team for the two day seminar Sondra was conducting were also part of the welcoming group. The Kaumatua (elder) for the Tanagata Whenua gave a Karakia (blessing) for the occasion and then went on to welcome the guests, speaking in Maori.

Then one of the Manuhiri responded. In this case it was Lawrence Stanaway, a maori Breath worker, who stood proudly with his long stick and thanked the Tangata Whenua for the warm welcome. He then went on to speak about Sondra and the upcoming Hui (meeting) that she was going to be conducting on the weekend.

There were two speakers from each side. The brother of Teawhina, Hape, also spoke. He was a powerful man full of ihi (strong spirit) and waved a tokotoko (carved stick) as he spoke passionately in Te Reo maori. He specifically referred to the fact that Teawhina and Sondra had already met and that his sister figures in Sondra’s book. This gave a more personalised flavour to the otherwise quite formal procedure. After the speaking was complete, everybody was greeted by the Tangata Whenua with a Hongi (pressing of noses and sharing of breath). Then followed a kupa tea in the wharekai (eating house).

This was a very moving experience for Sondra and in her address after the kupa tea, she referred to her own German and Swedish ancestors, and the powerful influence each of her parents have had in her vocation as a Spiritual Healer. Sondra was also delighted to learn that Teawhina would be participating in the weekend seminar, “The New Frequency for Relationships.”