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).
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).
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.
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)
Ka kite anō - See you later
Mā te wā - See you next time
Kia ora – it means both thank you and is a way to say hello.
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:
Vowels can be long or short. A long vowel is signified with a macron above it. For example:
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’.
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.
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.
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.
These experiences offer the chance to hear (and even practice) the Māori language.
