Pōwhiri is a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony in New Zealand, designed to greet visitors and establish a connection between hosts and guests. It typically takes place on a marae, which is a communal or sacred place. The ceremony involves speeches, singing, and the performance of the haka, a traditional Māori dance, to honor the guests and ancestors. During the Pōwhiri, the guests, known as manuhiri, are invited onto the marae by the hosts, or tangata whenua. The ceremony emphasizes respect, unity, and the importance of relationships, allowing both groups to come together in a spirit of hospitality and understanding.