Te Reo / Maori language basics
Te Reo Māori is the indigenous language of Aotearoa, New Zealand. It is one of three official languages of the nation, the others being English and New Zealand Sign Language. The language itself is central to Māori culture, identity and forms part of the heritage of our country. It gained recognition as one of New Zealand's official languages in 1987.
New Zealand is a bilingual country and although Te Reo is not as widely spoken as English you might hear some of these words come up in conversation.
| Māori | English |
|---|---|
| Kia Ora | Hello, goodbye, thank you |
| Haere Mai or Nau Mai | Welcome |
| Manuhiri | Guests or visitors |
| Wharenui | Meeting place |
| Whanau (far-no) | family |
| Hui | meeting, conference |
| Āe | Yes |
| Kāo | No |
| Kame | Food |
| Whare paku | Toilet |
| Kei te pehea koe? | How’s it going? |
| Ka Pai! | Good job! |
| Hei konei ra | See you later |
| Haere Ra | Goodbye |