Whakataukī (Proverbs)

Question 1

Procrastination is the thief of time.

Answer 1

E tata tepahi, e roa whakatū.

Question 2

Long on words, short on actions.

Answer 2

Hōhonu kakī, pāpaku uaua.

Question 3

Never say die.

Answer 3

Okea ururoatia.

Question 4

There is no place like home.

Answer 4

Kia mau ki te tokanga nui a noho.

Question 5

What’s done is done.

Answer 5

E kore a muri e hokia.

Question 6

From the withered tree a flower blooms.

Answer 6

Iti noa ana he pito mata.

Question 7

Long on words, short on actions.

Answer 7

Hōhonu kakī, pāpaku uaua.

Question 8

Unlike the branch of the tītoki tree that decays and dies, people live on through their descendants.

Answer 8

Ehara te tangata i te peka tītoki.

Question 9

Once bitten, twice shy.

Answer 9

E hia motunga o te weka i te māhanga.

Question 10

Even though the wedge is small, it brings down the mighty tōtara tree.

(A little effort can achieve great things)

Answer 10

Ahakoa he iti te matakahi, ka pakaru i a ia te tōtara.

Question 11

Soon evil disappears like the setting sun.

(A community can overcome evil if it tries hard enough)

Answer 11

Ākuanei a kino tō ai me he rā.

Question 12

Here we are in the night, birthday is on the way.

(There is light at the end of the tunnel)

Answer 12

Anei tātou nā ko te pō, anā tātou nā he rā ki tua.

Question 13

I am not a chiefly person, but rather the reflection of one.

(An expression of humility)

Answer 13

Ehara au i te rangatira engari he ata nō te tangata.

Question 14

A fitting bellbird.

(She looks good, sounds good, but she flits about everywhere)

Answer 14

He kōpara kai rērere.

Question 15

My strength is not mine alone, that comes from the collective/from the group.

Answer 15

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini.

Question 16

It’s blustery below, but the sky above is clear.

(The difficult times over and the way ahead is now easier)

Answer 16

E haunui aha i raro, e hari ana i runga.

Question 17

The hākuwai is the bird that calls. It’s a name.

(A comment about a person who is always boasting of his or her achievements)

Answer 17

He hākuwai te manu e karanga tonu ana i tōna ingoa.

Question 18

Don’t block the blossoms of the rātā tree.

(Some things are perfect, just the way they are)

Answer 18

Kei whawhati noa mai te rau o te rātā.

Question 19

You shall never be lost for you are a sacred seed sown in the heavens.

Answer 19

E kore koe e ngaro, he kākano nō Rangiātea.

Question 20

They will not dispel the frost.

(A small number of workers cannot be expected to complete a task that requires many)

Answer 20

E kore e horo i a rātou te hauhunga.

Question 21

A warrior must always be alert.

(In today’s society, it could refer to a sports person)

Answer 21

Me ara te mata hī tauā.

Question 22

The tongue (slander or gossip) can injure many.

Answer 22

E patu te rau, e patu te arero.

Question 23

A complete disaster.

Answer 23

Harahara aitu, harahara ā-tai.

Question 24

Like a crooked paddle, he cannot be relied on.

Answer 24

He hoe kōnukenuke.

Question 25

People grow, adzes remain small.

(People are more valuable than material possessions)

Answer 25

He iti tangata e tupu, he iti toki e iti tonu.

Question 26

seek out that which is most important.

Answer 26

Tīkarohia te marama.

Question 27

With your contribution of food and mine the visitors will be sustained.

Answer 27

Ko tāu rourou, ko tāku rourou, ka ora te manuhiri.

Question 28

Just like a rainbow after the storm, successful is failure.

Answer 28

He iti hau marangai e tū te pokahoka.

Question 29

Although it is small, it is given with affection.

Answer 29

Ahakoa he iti, he iti nā te aroha.

Question 30

If the first group do the work properly, the following group can accomplish the task.

Answer 30

E ngaki ana a mua, e tōtō mai ana a muri.

Question 31

Unflinching Tangaroa, symbolising a brave intrepid warrior.

Answer 31

Tangaroa kiriuka.