Whakataukī (proverbs) Flashcards
Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei
Seek the treasure you value most dearly: if you bow your head, let it be to a lofty mountain
This whakatauki is about aiming high or for what is truly valuable, but it’s real message is to be persistent and don’t let obstacles stop you from reaching your goal.
Whatungarongaro te tangata toitū te whenua
As man disappears from sight, the land remains
This demonstrates the holistic values of the Maori, and the utmost respect of Papatuanuku, the mother of the earth.
He tangata takahi manuhiri, he marae puehu
A person who mistreats his guest has a dusty Marae (Meeting house)
Someone who disregards his visitors will soon find he has no visitors at all. This accentuates the importance of Manaakitanga, or hospitality with Maori society and culture.
Tangata ako ana i te whare, te turanga ki te marae, tau ana
A person who is taught at home, will stand collected on the Marae (meeting house grounds)
A child who is given proper values at home and cherished within his family, will not only behave well amongst the family but also within society and throughout his life.
Te anga karaka, te anga koura, kei kitea te Marae
The shells of the karaka berry, and the shells of the crayfish, should not be seen from the Marae
Although this clearly has a hygienic undertone, it also refers to discipline. A tribe or war party who disregards organization and has no concern for where they leave their rubbish and gear reflects poor leadership and discipline, thus becoming easy prey for a more regimented force.
Ka mate te kāinga tahi, ka ora te kāinga rua
When one house dies, a second lives
Historically used when two houses or families are merged due to the unfortunate circumstances of one particular family. However this could be used when something good emerges from misfortune.
Ka pū te ruha, ka hao te rangatahi
As a old net withers another is remade
When an elder is no longer fit to lead, a healthier leader will stand in his place.
Te amorangi ki mua, te hapai o ki muri
The leader at the front and the workers behind the scenes
This is a reference to Marae protocol where the speakers are at the front of the meeting house and the workers are at the back making sure everything is prepared and that the guests are well looked after. It is important to note that both jobs are equally important, and are like the ying and yang, for without one, everything would fail.
He kai kei aku ringa
There is food at the end of my hands
Said by a person who can use his basic abilities and resources to create success
Kaua e mate wheke mate ururoa
Don’t die like a octopus, die like a hammerhead shark
Octopus are renown for their lack of resistance when being captured, however a hammerhead shark will fight bitterly to the end, to the point that when you fillet it fresh, its meat quivers. Commonly used to encourage someone not to give up, no matter how hard the struggle is.
He mahi te ataa noho, e kii ana te wheke
It is the octopus who says sitting is working
This proverb can be used for lazy person.
Moe atu nga ringa raupo
Marry a man with calloused hands
Calloused hands are earned through hard work. This proverb suggests to woman to find a man who has an excellent work ethic.
Tama tu tama ora, tama noho tama mate
An active person will remain healthy while a lazy one will become sick
An word of encouragement to urge children to participate in activities and exercise. It is like saying, To stand is to live, to lie down is to die.
Ma whero ma pango ka oti ai te mahi
With red and black the work will be complete
This refers to co-operation where if everyone does their part, the work will be complete. The colours refer to to the traditional kowhaiwhai patterns on the inside of the meeting houses.
Naku te rourou nau te rourou ka ora ai te iwi
With your basket and my basket the people will live
Again referring to co-operation and the combination of resources to get ahead. This proverb can be very useful and is often said.
He waka eke noa
A canoe which we are all in with no exception
We are all in this together. An example of when this can be used perhaps when a group of you are going to the movies but one of them doesn’t have any money so wouldn’t be able to go along. You can say he waka eke noa, meaning you will pay as you are all in one group and it would not be the same if they were to miss out.
Ehara taku toa, he takitahi, he toa takitini
My success should not be bestowed onto me alone, as it was not individual success but success of a collective
Said humbly when acknowledged
Kāore te kumara e kōrero mō tōna ake reka
The kumara (sweet potato) does not say how sweet he is
This proverbs accentuates the the value of humbleness.
Waiho ma te tangata e mihi
Leave your praises for someone else
Again referring to humbleness.
E kore te patiki e hoki ki tona puehu
The flounder (fish) does not return to his dust
Do not make the same mistake twice.
Ahakoa he iti he pounamu
Although it is small, it is greenstone
This is a humble way to deliver a small gift. Greenstone (jade) is an extremely useful commodity which is considered very precious, so although you may not be presenting greenstone, the word pounamu stands as a metaphor for something precious or a treasure from the heart.
E hoa ma, ina te ora o te tangata
My friends, this is the essence of life
This proverb is an exclamation which can be used when someone is surprised or satisfied. Generally used at the dinner table from a guest who is appreciative of the meal he has received.
He kotuku rerenga tahi
A white heron flies once
This is used on an occasion when something very special and unusual takes place.
Kua hinga te totara i te wao nui a Tane
The totara has fallen in the forest of Tane
A totara is a huge tree that grows for hundreds of years. For one of them to fall is a great tragedy. This proverb is said when someone of importance passes away. The Totara is a native tree of New Zealand.
