In Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Reo Māori is experiencing a significant revival. Try to learn some Māori phrases while you're in Aotearoa – start with kia ora (hello).

Treasured language

While English is the primary language, there are more than 200,000 people who can speak te reo Māori.  

The Māori language is considered a tāonga (treasure) and a doorway to the depth and beauty of the culture as captured by the saying:  

Taku reo, taku mapihi maurea(My language is my awakening, my language is the window to my soul.)  

Te reo Māori saw a decline in use during much of the 20th century. However, Māori efforts have resulted in increased community and government support. Today the Māori language is seen and heard everywhere in Aotearoa. Māori words and concepts are increasingly adopted and incorporated into everyday New Zealand English. Te reo is also embraced in popular culture, such as art, music, and film. See how Taika Waititi pronounces his name(opens in new window).

Greetings in Te Reo Māori

Learning basic Māori greetings (mihi) is a great place to start. Try using these anywhere you go in New Zealand - quite often, the response will be a wide smile.    

Saying hello in Te Reo Māori

Kia ora(informal) Hello  

Mōrena - Good morning 

Tēnā koe - (formal) Hello to one person  

Tēnā kōrua (formal) - Hello to two people 

Tēnā koutou (formal) - Hello everyone (three or more) 

Saying goodbye in Te Reo Māori 

Ka kite anō - See you later 

te - See you next time 

Saying thank you in Te Reo Māori 

Kia orait means both thank you and is a way to say hello. 

Pronunciation

Learning how to pronounce Māori words correctly is a sign of respect. Don't worry if you make mistakes, the main thing is that you try. Once you master Māori pronunciation, all Māori words will roll off your tongue.  

The Māori language consists of five vowel sounds: 

  • a (‘a’ as in ‘car’) 
  • e (‘e’ as in ‘egg’) 
  • i (‘i’ like the ‘ee’ in ‘tee’) 
  • o (‘o’ as in ‘four’) 
  • u (‘u’ like an ‘o’ in ‘to’).

Vowels can be long or short. A long vowel is signified with a macron above it. For example: 

  • a, (short vowel) papa (earth) 
  • ā, (long vowel) pāpā (father) 

There are ten consonants in Māori: h, k, m, n, p, r, t, w and sounds with no direct English equivalent wh’ and ‘ng’. The ‘wh’ sound similar to the English ‘f’. The ‘ng’ is similar to the ‘ng’ sound in ‘sing’. 

Start with Kia ora!

Kia ora can be used to say hello, express gratitude, send love and make a connection. Kia ora is a warm and welcoming greeting you'll hear throughout New Zealand.  

What does kia ora mean? 

In its simplest form, kia ora means hello. However, 'kia ora' is more than just hello because it references life and health. So, when you say kia ora to someone, you are wishing the essence of life upon them. 

When should you say kia ora? 

Kia ora is an informal greeting you will hear throughout New Zealand. Everyone from the Prime Minister, news presenters and local shopkeepers say kia ora in day-to-day conversation. 

Kia ora can be said to wish someone well, as a greeting or farewell, to say thank you, to affirm support, or to say a friendly 'cheers'.  

It's really important to acknowledge a person. By using the words 'Kia Ora' we acknowledge not just them, but everything about them including where they come from and who they come from.

Where to hear Te Reo Māori

These experiences offer the chance to hear (and even practice) the Māori language.

#MāoriCulture

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