As first-timers they all receive a formal welcome that begins with the spine-chilling wero (challenge by one of the local warriors) followed by a karanga (call of welcome by one of the local women).
Next time we are up front, doing the karanga, whaik rero, waiata etc.
On some occasions, a formal wero may commence the rituals, but the keening cry of the women's karanga (formal call of welcome) is always heard as the visiting teams move forward to be welcomed by the host club.
The karanga is the voice of women… though today it was the voice of woman.
This karanga was recorded on October 7, 1963, at the annual celebration of the coronation of King Koroki at Turangawaewae, Ngaruawahia.
Some of the karanga she taught us were really old, and the knowledge that accompanied them… it was such an honour and a privilege to be given those taonga.
After standing in silence for a short time, a final karanga is sometimes offered by a host kuia (female elder) to indicate that the visitors should take their seats.