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Maori Language

The Maori language is the Polynesian language of the indigenous Maori people of New Zealand - closely related to Cook Islands Māori, Tuamotuan, and Tahitian.

Whare runanga, Waitangi
Whare runanga, Waitangi. Copyright: Destination Northland ([email protected])

Maori is an official language of New Zealand - along with English and the New Zealand Sign Language. Efforts by Maori and the New Zealand Government have had a significant impact on the revitalisation of the Maori language and its use in modern New Zealand society.

The Kōrero Māori website was designed to help people speak the Māori language. You can also make use of the online Maori Dictionary to help learn the Maori language.

Maori Keyphrases & Words

Some key Maori words and phrases include:

English Maori
Te Reo Maori language
Hello Kia ora
Hello everyone Kia ora tatou
Greetings to you Tena koe
Greetings to everyone Tena koutou
Welcome Haere mai
Good Kei te pai
Farewell Haere ra
See you later Hei konei ra
Meeting House wharenui
The area for formal discourse in front of a meeting house; or the whole marae complex marae
Dining Room wharekai
Communial plaza Marae
Food Kai
Welcome powhiri
Chant with dance in the form of a challenge haka
Traditional performances of song and dance kapa haka
Mountain maunga
River awa
Tribe iwi
Sub Tribe hapu
Gift koha
Love aroha
Respect or kindness manaakitanga

Read more about the Maori