I continually get visitors to my blog looking for mihimihi (used to introduce oneself in a Maori situation). I published mine here in June 2006, and since then I’ve refined it. I’ve made it something much briefer which I’ve been able to memorise so that (at least in theory) I have it available for any occasion. You’re welcome to adapt it to your own needs:
E nga mana (to people of mana)
E nga reo (the many voices)
E nga waka o nga hau e wha (the canoes of the four winds)
Tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou katoa (greetings to you all)
E nga Kaumatua, tena koutou (greetings to seniors)
Tena koe X (greetings to the leader or special guest)
Ko Maungakiekie te maunga (One Tree Hill is my mountain)
Ko Manukau te moana (Manukau is my sea)
Ko Ngati Pakeha te iwi (Pakeha is my tribe)
Ko Gardner te hapu (Gardner is my clan)
I wehe oku tupuna i Ingarangi (My ancestors come from England)
Ko Cathryn raua ko Louise aku Tamahine (Cathryn and Louise are my daughters)
Ko Ruth ahau (My name is Ruth)
No reira, tena koutou, tena koutou, tena koutou, katoa.
“It’s good to know when on Marae
The words you need are standing by.”
