Tikanga is derived from the Māori word ‘tika’ which means ‘right’ or ‘correct’. So, in Māori terms, to act in accordance with tikanga is to behave in a way that is culturally proper or appropriate.
There are tikanga, or rules, around using the waka. Some of these rules are purely practical; others are to do with using waka in a culturally respectful manner. Waka play an important part in te ao Māori or the Māori world. Māori trace their origins to ancestors who migrated here in voyaging waka bringing their history, atua (gods), customs, values, and beliefs. Because of this, many waka ama clubs in New Zealand recognise tikanga or customs regarding the use of waka ama, including our club. These affect how we behave in and around the waka.
- The Steerer is the person responsible for the waka and the people in it. Please always listen to what the Steerer asks you to do. The Steerer will be an experienced paddler with a good understanding of weather conditions, safety considerations etc.
- Please do not step over the waka; walk around the waka if you want to get to the other side. This is part of showing respect for the waka.
- Get into the waka from the left side (the ama – or outrigger) side. This helps prevent the waka from capsizing.
- Do not stick the blade of your paddle into the sand or ground. Rest the blade on your foot or hold it up the other way (with the handle on your foot or off the ground. Treat your paddle with respect.
- We respect our waka, and each other. Be encouraging to other paddlers.
We say a karakia, or prayer, before paddling. This helps us to remember to respect the Ocean, our waka, and each other; and to get into the right frame of mind for paddling. The words are on a laminated and is attached to the Club notice board.
Respectful behaviour includes:
- Listening or participating in Karakia (prayers), used by some crews to start and finish their paddles.
- Not stepping over the hulls or hoe (paddles) out of respect for them and in reverence for the old belief that they embodied ancestors.
- Not poking our paddle blades into the ground for the same reason.
- We respect the sea.
- Understanding the basic Māori commands, which are often used when paddling.
- Trying not to swear or eat around the waka.
- Trying to live by the concepts of kotahitanga (unity) and manaakitanga (hospitality).
Basic commands in the waka:
- Ngā hoe kia rite – Set up your paddle in the ready position
- Hoea – Paddle
- Hup – Change sides after one more stroke
- Kia mau – Stop paddling
- When everyone is in the waka and ready to paddle, the steerer will call:
- Kia rite! Which means: paddles up! Everyone raises their paddle in the air above their heads. This shows the steerer that everyone is ready.
- Hoea! Which means: paddle! Everyone starts padding, following the person in front of them, perfectly in time.
- Kia mau! Hold your paddles (stop paddling)
Rāhui (Protection, Restriction, Conservation)
Rāhui is a form of tapu restricting the use of land, sea, rivers, forests, gardens, and other food resources. If a place is under that ritual restriction, access to it is forbidden to unauthorized people; for example, if it is an river, then there can be no fishing or recreational activities in the area. A rāhui would be put on a place by the mana oaf a person, tribe, hapū, or family and would stay in place until it was lifted by an authorized group.
Tangihanga – Funerals/Hura kōhatu – Unveiling of a headstone.
Tangihanga can be held in different spaces, marae, private homes, churches, or public halls. There are many customs and traditions associated with tangihanga, therefore it is always good to have a point of contact that is the liaison between the whānau pani (family of the deceased) and the roopu (club) to convey all information pertaining to the tangihanga.
Discussion needs to be had with those of the club who hold the responsibility of Te reo me ōna tikanga and the club committee, so the appropriate protocols are followed and relayed to those members of the club who will attend.
Prior to visiting the deceased member of the club or whānau, it is always good to gather koha (gift of money) to help the whānau during this time. This is placed in an envelope and given to a designated speaker or person. It is always good for the group to have a waiata that can be sung to support the kaupapa, when appropriate.
Hura kōhatu or unveiling ceremony is one of many types of hui organized by the whānau pani, for remembering the dead. When a person has been dead for a year or more the whānau will erect a headstone on the grave.
Unveiling services are very much like funerals. The extent to which a person is remembered can be shown by those attending. Regarding the members of the club who are attending, a waiata and a giving of koha to convey the respect and mana that the person was held by the roopu. Like a tangihanga, it is always good to have those who carry Te reo me ōna tikanga to be a point of contact for both the whānau pani and those members of the club.
Supporting resources:
- Tikanga Whakaaro – Key concepts in Māori culture, by Cleve Barlow.
Learn our club karakia and waiata
Karakia
As part of the tikanga of Waka Ama, karakia (prayer) is recited before we engage with activities on the water.
Waiata
Waiata serve many functions. They can be used to support a whaikōrero (formal speech) or sung to express grief after a death.
Haka
Haka are a large subclass of waiata and a posture dance performed by a group, with vigorous movements and stamping of the feet with rhythmically shouted accompaniment.