Honouring Tikanga
& Pacific Traditions.
In Aotearoa, a farewell is more than a ceremony—it is a journey of community, whakapapa, and spirit. We provide a respectful guide to help you navigate these sacred traditions.
Tikanga Māori & Tangi
A **Tangihanga** (or Tangi) is the traditional Māori funeral process. It is a time for the whānau (family) to mourn and for the community to come together to support them.
Key Protocols (Tikanga):
- Marae Stay: The tūpāpaku (deceased) usually stays on an ancestral marae for three days.
- Pōwhiri: Visitors are welcomed onto the marae with formal ceremonies.
- Koha: It is customary for visitors to bring a gift (usually money) to help the whānau with costs.
Many NZ funeral directors now specialize in Māori protocols, providing facilities that allow whānau to be near their loved one throughout the tangi.
Pasifika Traditions
For Tongan, Samoan, Cook Island, and other Pacific communities, funerals are large-scale communal events often involving intricate gift exchanges and vibrant celebrations of life.
Samoan & Tongan Focus:
- Fine Mats (Ie Toga): Central to Samoan gift-giving and respect.
- Religious Influence: Strong Christian traditions often blended with cultural protocols like fa'asamoa.
- Community Support: Expect large numbers of family and church members to gather.
Professional repatriation is also a common requirement for Pasifika families—see our Repatriation Guide for details.
Expert Support
Connecting with a funeral home that understands your culture is essential for peace of mind.
Whānau Integration
Homes that provide spaces for whānau to stay overnight.
Marae Liaisons
Directors who coordinate directly with Marae committees.