During this period of uncertainty, some local attractions and businesses may be closed or have limited hours. Please check when booking. For those of you who cannot visit New Zealand due to border closures, enjoy a virtual visit to Rotorua. Hopefully we get to see you in person real soon. Stay healthy and take care! —Karen
Are you ready to have a go at some Māori words and phrases? In the following list you'll find a lot of the common ones that you are likely to come across as a visitor.
Open up the pronunciation guide if you haven't already got it open. With the pages side by side it will make it a bit easier for you.
Learning Māori is not easy so just take your time and practise a little regularly before you come visit us.
English | Māori |
---|---|
hullo (to two persons) | tēnā kōrua |
hullo (to many) | tēnā koutou |
good morning | morena |
How are you? (one, two, many) | kei te pehea koe/korua/koutou |
Very well, thank you. | ka nui te pai |
I'm fine/good | kei te pai |
hello | kia ora (more informal) |
what is your name? | ko wai tou ingoa? |
my name is Karen | ko Karen taku ingoa |
goodbye (to the person staying) | e noho ra |
goodbye (to the person going) | haere ra |
see you tomorrow | ka kite ano (incorrect form but it is commonly used) |
English | Māori |
---|---|
tribe | iwi |
1. sub-tribe, 2. pregnant | 1. hapū, 2. hapu |
extended or non-nuclear family | whānau |
relatives, kin | whanaunga |
region, territory (geographical or spiritual) | rohe |
people of the land, native | tangata whenua |
land, homeland, country | whenua |
genealogy, to establish family connections | whakapapa |
ancestors | tipuna or tūpuna |
elder or elders | kaumātua |
paramount chief, person of high inherited rank | ariki |
chief, chieftain, boss, owner | rangatira |
paramount authority, sometimes used for sovereignty | tino rangatiratanga |
women, females, ladies, wives | wāhine |
woman, female, lady, wife | wahine |
europeans | pākehā |
visitors/guests | manuhiri |
English | Māori |
---|---|
sacred, taboo, don't touch | tapu |
not sacred or taboo | noa |
treasures -cultural/physical/spiritual | tāonga |
authority, power, influence | mana |
power, charisma, essential force | ihi |
love, compassion, empathy | aroha |
hospitality, respect for host, entertain | manaakitanga |
essential life force or a symbol of | mauri |
care for, look after, guard | tiaki |
guardian, trustee | kaitiaki |
English | Māori |
---|---|
speak, tell, say | kōrero |
words | kupu |
formal speaking, speechmaking | whaikōrero |
song, sing or chant | waiata (usually follows a speech) |
vigorous dance with actions | haka |
to gather/meet or gathering/meeting | hui |
an open area in front of a meeting house (wharenui) - usually includes a whole complex | marae |
ceremony calling/challenging/welcoming people onto the marae | karanga |
funeral ceremonies | tangihana |
cry, mourn, shortened version of above | tangi |
canoe | waka |
war canoe | waka taua |
outrigger canoe (a big racing sport here) | waka ama |
gift, present, donation | koha |
carved meeting house | whare whakairo |
dining room | whare kai |
toilet | whare paku |
ablution block or bathroom | whare horoi |
Māori Language Basics - Pronunciation Guide for Visitors to New Zealand
Flax Weaving - Flax helped Māori people survive in this harsh country
Māori Haka - Cultural performances always have a haka challenge