Culture & Etiquette

1. Nau mai, haere mai

   nau mai, hae-re mai

   Welcome

   Usage

   A formal welcome, also used in Māori welcoming ceremonies

   Grammar Note

   nau mai and haere mai are welcome expressions that reinforce each other

2. Ko wai tō ingoa?

   ko wai tō i-ngo-a

   What is your name?

   Usage

   A standard phrase used when meeting someone for the first time

   Grammar Note

   ko is an emphatic particle forming equative / identity sentences

3. He aha tāu mahi?

   he a-ha tā-u ma-hi

   What is your work / occupation?

   Usage

   Asking about someone's profession

   Grammar Note

   he is an indefinite article-like particle

4. Te Tiriti o Waitangi

   te Ti-ri-ti o Wai-ta-ngi

   The Treaty of Waitangi (NZ founding document)

   Usage

   Essential knowledge when discussing NZ history and culture

   Grammar Note

   o is a possessive preposition meaning "of"

5. Tēnā koe

   tē-nā koe

   Hello / Thank you (addressing one person formally)

   Usage

   Formal greeting or thanks addressed to one person

   Grammar Note

   macrons (ā, ē, etc.) mark long vowels and are essential for correct pronunciation

6. He mea nui te aroha

   he me-a nui te a-ro-ha

   Love / compassion is a great thing

   Usage

   Aroha (love / compassion) is a core value in Māori culture

   Grammar Note

   aroha is one of the most important concepts in Māori language and culture

7. He aha te tikanga?

   he a-ha te ti-ka-nga

   What is the custom / meaning?

   Usage

   Asking about Māori customs or the meaning of something

   Grammar Note

   tikanga derives from tika (correct) — a key cultural concept word

8. Ka pai!

   ka pai

   Well done! Excellent!

   Usage

   Widely used as a compliment across New Zealand

   Grammar Note

   ka + adjective forms phrases expressing state change or evaluation

9. E kore e mutu

   e ko-re e mu-tu

   It will never end (it is everlasting)

   Usage

   An expression commonly used in Māori songs and poetry

   Grammar Note

   e kore e + verb forms a future negation

10. Pōhiri

    pō-hi-ri

    Welcoming ceremony (traditional Māori formal welcome)

    Usage

    Refers to the formal Māori welcoming ceremony, available at tourist sites

    Grammar Note

    The macron on ō marks a long vowel — pronounced "poh-hi-ri"

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