These rules are intended as a guide only as each area, and each Marae has its own rules. These rules are based on Classical Maori. If you know the Classical Maori Rules, the chances of you offending people are less than if you only know the modern rules.

The area immediately in front of the meeting house is to be kept clear at all times.

Alcohol is not permitted on or near the marae. Some marae apply this rule to all functions, including weddings etc. Others again are open to a request for permission to provide alcohol at social events.

Tikanga dictates normally that the right-hand side of the meeting house (the ancestors right hand) is to be occupied by the tangata whenua, while the manuhiri occupy the left-hand side including the rear and then positions left vacant by the tangata whenua.