Maori rituals around death

Question 1

What do these terms mean?

● Tangihanga
● Tupapaku
● Whanau
● Whanau pani

Answer 1

● Tangihanga = funeral
● Tupapaku = body of the deceased
● Whanau = all inclusive family
● Whanau pani = immediate family of deceased

Question 2

Describe the general timeline of a maori death:

Answer 2

● Day 1 = pass away, doctor completes paperwork, uplifted by funeral director, family meetings to discuss plans
● Day 2 = family confirm all plans with funeral director, family dress the decreased, take home & start tangihanga, possibly travel to hometown, formal services at night
● Day 3 = spend time on marae with whanau, formal services at night
● Day 4 = formal funeral service in the morning, burial at urupa (cultural burial ground)

Question 3

What are the general rules for a maori death?

Answer 3

● Calling on marae after dark (not allowed after sunset) - mainly south of Auckland, confirm with kaumatua
● Same gender only for dressing (but depends on family)
● Feet first travelling (but some go head first)
● Korowai placement - top at feet = returned to family, top at waist = buried
● Touching tupapaku
● Using water to spiritually cleanse

Important: remember Māori ≠ monoculture. There are no blanket rules and it is important to confirm with each whanau pani.