🤝 Tōku Mihimihi — My Greeting
An alternative to pepeha for tangata Tiriti (non-Māori)
Why Mihimihi?
Mihimihi is a form of introduction that acknowledges where you are, who the tangata whenua (local Māori) are, and shares where you come from. It's a respectful way to introduce yourself without claiming iwi or waka connections that aren't yours through whakapapa.
Mihimihi can be used by anyone — it's flexible, respectful, and appropriate in both formal and informal settings.
Start with a formal greeting to everyone present.
Tēnā koutou katoa.
Greetings to you all.
Acknowledge the land you're standing on. Use your local place name.
Ka mihi au ki te whenua, ki .
I acknowledge the land, [local place].
Show respect for the local Māori people of the area.
Ka mihi hoki au ki ngā tāngata whenua o tēnei rohe.
I also acknowledge the people of this area.
Where does your mother's family come from?
I te taha o tōku māmā, nō ōku tīpuna.
On my mother's side, my ancestors are from [country].
Where does your father's family come from?
I te taha o tōku pāpā, nō ōku tīpuna.
On my father's side, my ancestors are from [country].
Where do you currently live?
Kei ahau e noho ana.
I live in [place].
State your name proudly!
Ko tōku ingoa.
My name is [name].
End with a triple greeting to all.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
Greetings, greetings, greetings to us all.
✨ Tōku Mihimihi — My Complete Greeting
Tēnā koutou katoa.
Ka mihi au ki te whenua, ki ______.
Ka mihi hoki au ki ngā tāngata whenua o tēnei rohe.
I te taha o tōku māmā, nō ______ ōku tīpuna.
I te taha o tōku pāpā, nō ______ ōku tīpuna.
Kei ______ ahau e noho ana.
Ko ______ tōku ingoa.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.