Marae are unique places where Māori culture is expressed and upheld. They are repositories of genealogy, provide a sense of pride for Māori as symbols of identity and are vibrant places where people experience authentic Māori culture.

This book is a comprehensive, concise guide to the marae, including the space and how it is arranged, the buildings on a marae, the functions of and gatherings held at marae, and the cultural understandings and values underpinning marae custom and protocol. The photographs and text work together to clearly identify the buildings on the marae, the constituent parts of buildings and features, such as woven panels and carvings, and the events held at marae and roles people have.

There is a step-by-step guide to a pōwhiri, or welcome ceremony, showing and describing what happens, the people involved, what they do, and the beliefs and meanings behind the ceremony. There is also a close look at the outside and inside of a wharenui, or meeting house, showing each of the elements and features that make it up. Māori cultural concepts are explained and discussed and a glossary of Māori terms is provided.