Kia ora!
In New Zealand, Te Reo Māori is one of three official languages (the other two are English and Sign Language). Try to learn some Māori phrases and words while you’re in Aotearoa (New Zealand) – start with Kia ora! (Hello).
Or maybe you’re ready to meet Kiwis and go tramping? Good on ya, mate!
Learning common Māori words, phrases and common Kiwi slang will help make your visit to New Zealand a success!
Learn Māori Words & Phrases
In New Zealand, Te Reo Māori is one of three official languages (the other two are English and Sign Language). Try to learn some Māori phrases and words while you’re in Aotearoa (New Zealand) – start with Kia ora! (Hello).
Common Māori Words:
Aotearoa: New Zealand (“land of the long white cloud”).
Hāngi: A traditional method of cooking food using heated rocks buried in a pit oven.
Haka: A traditional war dance or challenge.
Kai: Food.
Mana (noun) – prestige, authority, control, power, influence, status, spiritual power, charism
Kāinga: Home or village.
Mana: Authority, power, control, influence, prestige, spiritual power.
Marae: A communal or sacred place that serves religious and social purposes in Polynesian societies.
Māori: Indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand.
Pākehā: Non-Māori.
Rangatira: Chief, chieftain.
Tāne: Man, men, husband.
Tamariki: Children.
Wahine: Woman, women, wife.
Wai: Water.
Whānau: Extended family.
Whenua: Land.
Iwi: Tribe.
Hapū: Sub-tribe
Karakia: Prayer
Kōrero: Talk, discussion, conversation, discourse, story.
Moko: Tattoo.
Waka: Canoe, vehicle.
Tangi (or Tangihanga): Funeral.
Koha: Gift or present.
Te Reo: The language (used to refer to the Māori language).
Kia kaha – be strong, get stuck in, keep going.
Learn Kiwi Slang
Common Kiwi Slang:
Sweet as: Fine or good. Similar to ‘no worries’ or ‘cool’.
Kiwi: A person from New Zealand.
Togs: Swimsuit.
Jandals: Flip flops or thongs, known as sandals in some other countries.
Chur: Thanks or cheers.
Dairy: A convenience store or corner shop.
Bach (pronounced ‘batch’): A holiday home, often by the beach.
Wop-wops: A remote area, similar to ‘the middle of nowhere’.
Hard Yakka: Hard work.
Tramping: Hiking.
Biscuit: Cookie.
Mate: Friend.
Gumboots: Rubber boots, also known as Wellington boots.
Knackered: Very tired or exhausted.
Suss: To figure something out.
Stubbies: Short shorts.
Takeaway: Fast food.
Kiwi fruit: A type of fruit, also known as Chinese gooseberry.
Pavlova: A popular dessert in New Zealand, it’s a meringue-based cake topped with fruit.
Rark up: To tell someone off.
She’ll be right: Everything will be okay.
Ta: Thanks.
Yeah nah: A uniquely Kiwi expression, can mean yes or no depending on context.
Crack-up: Something or someone that’s very funny.
Footy: Rugby.
Good on ya, mate!: Well done, or good job.
Munted: Broken or ruined.
No worries: It’s okay, or don’t worry about it.
Scarfy: A student at the University of Otago in Dunedin.
Tiki Tour: A scenic tour or a roundabout way to get somewhere.
Carked it: Died, or stopped working.
Stoked: Very happy or pleased.
Naff off: Politely telling someone to go away.
Tall poppy: Someone who’s very successful (from ‘tall poppy syndrome’, the tendency to criticise successful people).
Piker: Someone who doesn’t want to participate, or backs out of plans.