Ngati Kuri

Ngati Kuri is a Maori tribe in the Far North of NZ.

A mihi is an introduction to the relevant and significant identifiers of the tribe. A tribe as it expands may have sub-tribes which recognise other identifiers as relevant also. See explanation of the mihi below. A mihi normally ends with Ko ...... toku ingoa (My ...... name is) A mihi can be as long or as short as the speaker is comfortable saying. A mihi can be used if you return to your people's area for the first time or at any other occasion (formal & informal). You can also add in your ancestors name so people can relate to you.

No one can challenge the authenticity of your Mihi unless you come to seek land and then be prepared... as you will need to establish your rights. Some have been known to recite up to 25 generations of family lineage (whakapapa).

There are other formalities known as the Pepeha is the speech is very formal which include acknowledging our creator, all ancestors, our meeting house etcand this finishes with a whakatauki (a proverb). at the end of the mihi after giving your name it is important to thank those that have been listening to your introduction and also sing a song (this i have been told is to sweeten the words you have just spoken - maybe a sweetener to any mistakes you may have unconsciously made) At a marae there are other formalities (greeting hongi - pressing of foreheads (symbolizing 'the breath of life') hug, kiss on the cheek or handshake, a meal together) and then you are no longer manuhiri (visitor) but (tangata whenua) one of us people of this land.

Nga uri nga hapu whanau o Ngati Kuri*

Mihi

Ko Kurahaupo te wakaKo Kohuroanaki te MaungaKo Waitiki me Waihuahua nga AwaKo Parengarenga te WaahapuKo Te Hapua te KaingaKo Te Reo Mihi te MarareKo Maretu te Urupa

meKo Poho-tiare te Hapu,Ko Ngati Murikahara te Hapu,Ko Te Ringamaui te Hapu,Ko Ngati Waiora te Hapu,Ko Te Mahoe te Hapu,Ko Ko Ngati Kuri"' ki Ngataki meKo Whakakohatu nga Hapu.

He ponoTe Hei Mauriora

Ngati Kuri o Te Hiku o te Ika a Maui

*The tribe, its larger groups & family of the tribe Ngati Kuri* There are a few stories relating to the use of the name Kuri for the tribe. Some refer to stories involving land dogs (use of the skins and as a sacrifice for a Chief's passing). In the far north we acknowledge the seal - the "sea dog" (with it's distinctive bark) in deference to the seal-skin nets used to plug the damaged hull of the Kurahaupo for its journey from the Kermadecs.)

"Ref. Ngati Kuri Kaumatua (male Elder) Dema Petera"

Maori people (tangata whenua - people of the land) acknowledge they came from another place before they settled in NZ. Therefore Ngati Kuri can introduce themselves formally as;

My canoe is Kurahaupo My mountain is Kohuroanaki (There are other recognised mountains eg Maunga Piko, Tohu Reo etc.My rivers are Waitiki and Waihuahua My harbour is Parengarenga My village is Te HapuaMy meeting-house is Te Reo MihiMy burial place is Maretu

My sub tribes are:Poho-tiare, Ngati Murikahara,Te Ringamaui, Ngati Waiora, Te Mahoe, Ko Ngati Kuri ki Ngataki"', me Ko Whakakohatunga hapu.

This is true - acknowledge the breath of life

Ngati Kuri is the tribe of the Far north of NZ (the tail of the fish that Maui pulled from the sea) - describing the land mass

Ref Pohotiare Kaumatua (male Elder) Heeki Moses & Kuia (female Elder) Huria Moses

Ref The Muriwhenua Land Report researched by the Runanga o Muriwhenua Muriwhenua Organisation) under the direction of Matiu Rata & Rima Edwards

#REDIRECT Ngāti Kurī

External links

* [http://www.teara.govt.nz/NewZealanders/MaoriNewZealanders/MuriwhenuaTribes/en "Muriwhenua tribes"] in Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand