Māori Terms

Question 1

Atua

Answer 1

Polynesian supernatural being or spirit.

Question 2

Hapū

Answer 2

a sub-tribe or pregnancy.

Question 3

Hongi

Answer 3

deliberate contact between two noses, symbolising moments in creation stories. Sharing breath.

Question 4

Kai

Answer 4

food.

Question 5

Kaikaranga

Answer 5

woman who starts a karanga.

Question 6

Kawa

Answer 6

Māori rules, rituals, practices and behaviour.

Question 7

Karanga

Answer 7

a chanted exchange.

Question 8

Karakia

Answer 8

incantations and prayers used to invoke spiritual guidance and protection.

Question 9

Kinaki

Answer 9

song or chant after a whaikorero.

Question 10

Koha

Answer 10

gift. Integral to the idea of manaakitanga.

Question 11

Manaakitanga

Answer 11

respect, reciprocity, kindness.

Question 12

Manuhiri

Answer 12

visitor or guest, especially at a Māori meeting house.

Question 13

Marae ātea

Answer 13

open meeting area in front of the wharenui.

Question 14

Pepeha

Answer 14

phrases that define and describe iwi, hapu, and whanau. Normally a gift given and received- though all depends on the circumstances.

Question 15

Poroporoaki

Answer 15

a formal farewell ritual initiated by visitors, an opportunity to thank the tangata whenua.

Question 16

Pōwhiri

Answer 16

Māori welcoming ceremony.

Question 17

Rāhui

Answer 17

a restriction, sometimes in terms of war, death (someone drowning), allowing resources such as paua to regenerate (but in these cases is legislation). Not an authoritative source of law, but most people follow. Not going to get punished if you violate. Relates to utu (reciprocity, balance).

Question 18

Rangatiratanga

Answer 18

governance is exercising rules over everyone, while rangatiratanga is about sovereignty. Governance sits below sovereignty.

Question 19

Tangihanga

Answer 19

enduring ceremony for mourning somebody who has died.

Question 20

Tapu

Answer 20

sacred, e.g. not touching your head, as it is tapu.

Question 21

Tino

Answer 21

the best of something, if sitting before the word. Extends meaning.

Question 22

Utu

Answer 22

reciprocity and balance.

Question 23

Waerea

Answer 23

protective incantation.

Question 24

Waiata

Answer 24

a song. Normally both parties, entering and hosting, perform one of these. Confirms the entering process.

Question 25

Wero

Answer 25

Māori challenge to test the intentions of visitors.

Question 26

Whaikōrero

Answer 26

a discussion between two people, often men, or a Māori speech.

Question 27

Whakaeke

Answer 27

movement of the manuhiri onto the marae space, or (in some cases) into the ancestral house.

Question 28

Whakapapa

Answer 28

family tree, genealogy.

Question 29

Whanaungatanga

Answer 29

kinship with everyone around you. Your relationships with people, and their relationship with the natural world. Connections, relationships. Environment, people, gods.

Question 30

Wharenui

Answer 30

communal house of the Māori, generally at focal point of Marae.