The MÃÂori people and Moriori people have 773 tribal marae (meeting grounds) around New Zealand. These grounds usually include a wharenui (meeting house) and are usually affiliated with iwi (tribes) and hapà « (sub-tribes).
In MÃÂori society, the is a place where the culture can be celebrated, where the MÃÂori language can be spoken, where intertribal obligations can be met, where customs can be explored and debated, where family occasions such as birthdays can be held, and where important ceremonies, such as welcoming visitors or farewelling the dead (tangihanga), can be performed. Like the related institutions of old Polynesia, the marae is a wÃÂhi tapu, a 'sacred place' which carries great cultural meaning.
In MÃÂori usage, the (often shortened to ) is the open space in front of the (meeting house; literally "large building"). Generally the term is used to refer to the whole complex, including the buildings and the . This area is used for pà Âwhiri (welcome ceremonies) featuring oratory. Some (tribes) and (sub-tribes) do not allow women to perform oratory on their . The wharenui is the locale for important meetings, sleepovers, and craft and other cultural activities.
The wharekai (dining hall) is used primarily for communal meals, but other activities may be carried out there.