A powhiri is a traditional Māori welcoming ceremony in New Zealand. It involves a series of rituals that welcome guests, known as manuhiri, onto a marae, which is a communal or sacred place. The ceremony typically includes speeches, singing, and the performance of the haka, a traditional war dance, to honor the guests and establish a connection between the hosts, or tangata whenua, and the visitors. During a powhiri, the guests are invited to respond, often with a speech or song, to acknowledge the welcome. The ceremony emphasizes respect, unity, and the importance of relationships within the Māori culture. It is an essential practice for fostering community ties and honoring ancestral traditions.