The Tattoo Receives Māori Welcome

On our recent trip to Auckland, New Zealand, we were welcomed with open arms by the many audiences, stakeholders and performers we met.  

One particularly special welcome came at the start of our Show at the Home of the All Blacks at Eden Park from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.  

Known as a pōwhiri, this formal welcome ceremony is performed by the hosts (known as tangata whenua) to visitors (greet manuhiri) - which in this case was The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and our very own Alan Lane.  

In response to this incredible welcome, Alan presented them with a specially commissioned Pooley Sword on behalf of the Tattoo by way of Koha – a gift in response to the pōwhiri. This was then followed by a Hongi (as pictured) - a handshake and the sharing of breath (pressing noses) to solidify the bond between hosts and visitors. 

A pōwhiri is a vital, sacred ritual designed to remove tapu (restriction) from visitors, making them noa (free from restriction/equal). This incredibly moving welcome is packed full of meaning for New Zealanders and was a real honour for us to receive.  

This traditional welcome ceremony took place in the centre of Eden Park, as part of the opening of the Show and was a creative collaboration between NWO and the Tattoo. Over the last year the two communities had worked closely together including a workshop with performers at NGW marae (community meeting ground). 

The Tattoo prides itself on bringing connections around the world, and this collaboration and traditional ceremony is testament to just that.  

Our Show The Heroes Who Made Us was a huge success in both Auckland and Brisbane when we recently took our performers down under. We’ll next gather cultures and traditions from around the globe in Edinburgh in August 2026, with a new Show A Call To Gather. Tickets are now on sale online and via the phone on 0131 225 1188.