Presentation on Mihimihi using Kai Tahu dialect.

1. Mihimihi
Te Reo and Tikaka for Ceremonial Use
Semester 2, 2010
Link to Printable Version

2. What is Mihimihi?
• Introductory speeches
• Traditionally take place at the beginning of a hui
• Mihimihi are generally in te reo Māori and can be
given by men or women
• Individuals stand to introduce themselves by
sharing their whakapapa (genealogy) and other
relevant information

3. Function of Mihimihi
• Establishing links with other people present
• It is important for Māori to know and to share their
whakapapa
– To know one’s whakapapa is to know one’s
identity

4. Length of a Mihimihi
• Mihimihi can vary in length depending on:
– The reason for the gathering
– How well the individuals know each other
– Their links to one another

5. Characteristics of Mihimihi
 May identify:
 Waka (ancestral canoe)
 Iwi (tribe)
 Hapū (sub tribe)
 Marae
 Whānau (family)
 Tūpuna / Tīpuna (ancestors)

6. Characteristics of Mihimihi
• This information is considered more important
than the individual’s own name
– May be the last piece of information given
• Usual format is a hierarchy:
– Oldest and biggest things first
– Youngest and smallest things last

7. Reference
Kōrero Māori. (n.d.). Mihimihi. Accessed on July 29,
2009, from
http://www.korero.maori.nz/forlearners/protocols/mihimihi.h
.

8. Tō Koutou Mihimihi
Your Mihimihi
• Personal introduction in te reo Māori
• Assessment Criteria
– Correct pronunciation
– Following set format
– Commitment to memory
• Due Date: 9 November 2010

9. Mihimihi
Ko _____________ te papatūwhenua.

10. Mihimihi
Kei te noho au kei Ōtepoti ināianei
i raro i te maru o Kai Tahu.

11. Mihimihi
Ko _____________ te iwi.

12. Mihimihi
Ko _____________ te hapū.

13. Mihimihi
Ko ________ rātou ko ________ , ko ________ , ko
________ kā whānau.

14. Mihimihi
Ko _____________ rāua ko _____________ kā taua.

15. Mihimihi
Ko ____________ rāua ko ____________ kā poua.

16. Mihimihi
Ko ____________ rāua ko ____________ kā mātua.

17. Mihimihi
Ko au tēnei.

18. Mihimihi
Ko _______________ tōhoku ikoa.

19. Mihimihi
Nō reira, tēnā koutou katoa.

20. Mihimihi – Other Sentences?

21. Te Mahi Kāika - Homework
• Practice your mihimihi
– Try to commit it to memory line by line
– Remember to focus on your pronunciation
– Record yourself reciting your mihimihi and listen
to it in the car, at home or while you’re at your
computer
– If you are stuck, email, call or visit me for some
assistance