A mihi, or whaikorero is the formal speaking structure used during pohiri.

There are two methods by which the speakers interact.

Whakawhitiwhiti mai / Tu atu utuutu
Speakers alternate, with the tangata whenua beginning and finally ending after the speakers have alternated.

Paeke/Pa Harakeke
All the tangata whenua speak and then all the manuhiri speak. The very last speaker is always the tangata whenua. In both methods the tangata whenua will have the final say.

Below are some of the areas in which each style is used:

To find samples of mihi and how to put them together, visit the Mihi Section.

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