Tēnā koutou - hello everyone.

This week’s kōrero answers another question sent in to me.

A Central App reader asked about the term ‘koha’. She said she hears it used often, understands it as a donation or payment, but wanted to know more about what koha really means.

By paying a koha, you can sometimes get into an event, attend a community yoga class, and thank someone who has done something for you. So, what does it really mean?

According to Scotty Morrison, put very simply a koha is the Māori term for a gift. It’s a way to say thank you. Traditionally a koha was the gift of food or a precious treasure. Nowadays, it tends to be money.

But if you stop at this simple definition, then you miss out on all the colour and meaning of the tradition of giving a Koha.

Koha, Scotty says, falls under the jurisdiction of a custom called utu, or reciprocity.

Take a trip back in time and let’s explore the cultural definition. Imagine our village is hosting a great celebration and guests from all across the land are welcomed onto our marae.

Towards the conclusion of the welcoming ceremony, a gift of food - let’s say, a few baskets of kūmara is offered to us as the hosts, on behalf of all the guests.

On a practical level, this koha is your guests’ contribution towards the catering for the event. On a deeper, and somewhat more personal level, koha can also symbolise an expression of deep gratitude and affection.

Along with the gift of kūmara, a few solemn words would be spoken, something like ‘From my people to yours, we present you with this gift of food as a symbol of our gratitude for your hospitality and deep respect for this occasion’.

The welcome ceremony concludes and everyone mingles, all happy to see one another and looking forward to eating some delicious kai.

From what I can see, there are three things that form the koha; firstly, the gift of the kūmara; secondly, the baskets they were carried in that were woven with great care and skill; and finally, the deep and meaningful words spoken that emotionally gift-wrapped it all.

If you are in a situation where you are required to give a koha, then give what you can or feel is appropriate to the person or people, taking into consideration the circumstances or situation you’re in.

Take a moment to reflect on it.

Koha is a personal expression of your gratitude. If you’re on the door accepting koha donations at your next event and some really eager kids arrive with a sack of kūmara, say to them:

Tena koutou mo tenei koha tino mīharo, thank you for your thoughtful gift, and welcome them in.

Don’t point to your sign that reads “Koha Entry - Gold Coin Donation” because it’s not correct.  You should have written: “Entry Fee - Gold Coin”.

So, don’t mis-use the meaning of koha. When it comes to koha, it really is the thought that counts.

Kia pai te rā. Have a great day.

Check out te wiki o te reo Māori here and discover more.