This is the final stage of powhiri and an explanation of the symbolism
Stage 10 - Kai
This is the final stage of powhiri. The sharing and partaking of food lifts
the final tapu (sacredness) of the Powhiri ritual.
As with the amount of
koha given, the amount and types of food that is prepared for the Manuhiri show
the mana of the Tangata Whenua. An Iwi who live by
the sea would usually specialise in placing kai moana
(sea food) on the table, while an Iwi who live inland
would usually place delicacies from their area on the table.
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