The performance of whaikōrero

In most areas, whaikōrero in pōwhiri has survived the test of time sheltered by the confines of marae, but the performance aspect of this art form has changed significantly. The impacts of Christianity, the influence of European culture and the movement of pōwhiri from outdoors to indoors have created a more subdued speaker, free of weaponry and limited body movement. In recent years there has been a renaissance among particular groups to revive past ways of performance. According to Rewi (2010), there has been an evident increase in the use of a variety of Māori weaponry during whaikōrero since the turn of the millennium. These efforts have met both praise and criticism from within the Māori community. I will explore how these aspects of whaikōrero enact ideas of belonging to people and place, weaving a thread between past and present generations.