A Glossary of Māori Terms 

 

Māori English 

 

Hapū sub-tribe 

He kanohi kitea a face seen – someone who is seen amongst their people 

Hui meeting 

Iwi - tribe/Nation 

Kai te differences of dialect. 

Kawa formal etiquette 

Kōrero talk, history 

Kōwhaiwhai painted scroll ornamentation 

Kūmara sweet potato 

Marae meeting place 

Mau rākau martial arts using the long staff 

Peruperu a war dance with weapons 

Piko a fern frond 

Pōhiri a ceremonial welcome 

Pūrākau myths, stories, legends. 

Pūtōrino flute 

Rangiātea Seen as a physical and a spiritual 

Rāranga weave 

Tangihanga mourning ceremony 

Tāniko- tapestry 

Taonga treasure 

Taparahi ceremonial occasion 

Tipuna ancestor/grandparent dialectal  

Tuitui kākahu- sewing garments 

Tukutuku lattice work 

Tūrangawaewae place of standing 

Wānanga workshop, in-depth analysis 

Whai to follow 

Whakapapa genealogy 

Whānau extended family 

Whatu - weave 

Wiri - to shake, to shiver, to quiver