Mihimihi – Introductory speeches

Mihimihi are introductory speeches which take place at the beginning of a gathering after the more formal pōwhiri. Mihimihi are generally in te reo Māori and can be given by females and males.

Mihimihi establish links with other people present. Mihimihi involve individuals standing to introduce themselves by sharing their whakapapa (genealogy, ancestral ties) and other relevant information. It is important for Māori to know and to share their whakapapa – to know one’s whakapapa is to know one’s identity.

Mihimihi can vary in length depending on the reason for the gathering, how well the individuals at the hui know each other and their links to one another.

A person will usually identify specific geographical features associated with their tribal area including their maunga (mountain), awa (river) and moana (sea). They may also identify their waka (ancestral canoe), hapū (sub tribe), iwi (tribe), marae and an eponymous ancestor. This information is considered more important than the individual’s own name which may be the last piece of information given in mihimihi.

Pepeha

Pepeha is a form of introduction that establishes identity and heritage. In formal settings, the pepeha forms part of an individual’s mihi. A group situation where everyone gives their mihi (including their pepeha) is called a mihimihi. This is often held at the beginning of a hui.

Learning your pepeha is an important first step in being able to introduce yourself appropriately.

Here is an example of a simple pepeha:

Ko _______ tōku waka
_______ is my canoe

Ko _______ tōku maunga
_______ is my mountain

Ko _______ tōku awa/moana
_______ is my river/sea

Ko _______ tōku iwi
_______ is my tribe

Ko _______ tōku hapū
_______ is my sub-tribe

Ko _______ tōku marae
_______ is my marae

Ko _______ ahau.
My name is _______.

Activity

Do you already know your pepeha? If not, see if you can use the pattern above to craft your own pepeha. Or, you could create your pepeha using an online tool here: www.tamakimaorivillage.co.nz/pepeha/.