Special Sub-Topic: Maori Words Every Kiwi Should Know Authored by: pearlsnz Sub-topic of: Pacific Islands Languages

What is the collective name of the meeting area where Maori people gather to talk and eat?

Marae. "Kaikōrero" is a speaker. "Koha" is a gift or a present. "Waiata" is a song(chant) that follows the speaker. "Marae" is a sacred meeting place, used for celebrations such as funerals, weddings, and tribal reunions.

What is the Maori name for the stomach?

Puku. "Niho" are the teeth. "Toto" is blood. "Upoko" is the head.

What type of dance would the New Zealand All Blacks perform before a rugby game?

Haka. "Haiku" is a form of Japanese poetry. "Hula" is a Hawaiian dance. "Kaka" is a large parrot of New Zealand. "Haka" is dance done with the intent purpose of a challenge.

When you're in love with someone, which word would you use to express it?

Aroha. "Ihi" means, power or authority. "Noa" is safe, not tabooed. "Rohe" is a boundry. "Aroha" is to love, show compassion or tenderness.

What does it mean in Maori, to have "Mana"?

Reputation and influence. "Mana" also means power and authority, but widely used to explain reputation. "My mana is at stake if I rob that bank."

What is it called to enter somewhere that is sacred or not to be touched?

Tapu. "Tiaki" is to care for. "Taonga" is a treasured possession. "Raupatu" is to confiscate.

What are the people of this land collectively known as?

Iwi. "Ariki" is a person of high inherited rank. "Kaumātua" are elders. "Ngāi Tātou" refers to every one who is present. "Iwi" means people, or nation. Its modern usage is tribe.

To get across a lake, which type of boat would you use in Maori?

Waka. "Wahine" is a woman. "Awa" is a river. "Manga" is a stream. "Waka" is a canoe, or group of canoes. All "iwi" descend from the crew of a founding "waka".

What is the Maori word for food?

Kai. "Motu" means Island. "Nui" menas large or big. "Pae" is a ridge or a range.

What would you say when greeting someone in Maori?

Kia ora. "E haere rā" means goodbye from the person who is staying (not the person leaving), "Tēnā koutou" is a formal greeting to a large group of people. "Kaki" means nose. "Kia Ora" means hi, or G'day.