If you’re visiting Aotearoa – New Zealand, you’ll quickly notice te reo Māori—the Māori language—everywhere: in greetings, place names, and signage. At first glance, it might look unfamiliar, but don’t worry. Once you learn a few simple vowel sounds, it all starts to click. Even better, giving it a go is a great way to connect with the people and culture of Aotearoa.
A personal Note from us
We used to feel nervous too, worried we’d get it wrong or sound silly. It wasn’t the correction we feared—it was how it might be delivered. But over time, we realised that most people are warm and encouraging, and they truly appreciate the effort. These days, we just give it a go. If we get it wrong? That’s all part of learning!
What makes Māori Pronunciation so Important.
Māori pronunciation might feel a bit different at first, but most Kiwis genuinely appreciate any effort to speak te reo, even if it’s not perfect. You might get corrected now and then, but it’s usually with a smile or a gentle nudge—because we love seeing people trying!
Many cultures actually find it easier than expected, especially those used to rolling their ‘R’s—that’s a key sound in te reo Māori. When we travel, we always try to learn a few common words or phrases. It not only helps with day-to-day chats, but it also shows respect for the local people and their language.
A Brief History of Te Reo Māori
Te reo Māori, the indigenous language of Aotearoa, traces its roots back to the Eastern Polynesian voyagers who settled here around the 13th century. Over generations, their language developed into the unique and rich form we now know as te reo Māori.
While it remained widely spoken in Māori communities through the early 19th century, colonisation brought sweeping changes. English soon became dominant, and by the mid-20th century, te reo Māori was in serious decline—discouraged in schools and underrepresented in public life.
Thankfully, the tide began to turn in the 1970s, led by Māori communities determined to preserve their language. Kōhanga reo (language nests) were introduced in 1982, immersing young children in te reo from birth. These were followed by kura kaupapa Māori (Māori-language primary schools), and in 1987, te reo Māori was recognised as an official language of New Zealand.
Today, te reo Māori is heard on the radio, spoken in schools, and proudly used across the country. By learning even a few words or phrases, you’re not just improving your travel experience—you’re also honouring a language that continues to thrive thanks to generations of resilience and passion.
Table of Contents
- A Personal Note from Us
- What Makes Māori Pronunciation So Important?
- A Brief History of Te Reo Māori
- Cracking Māori Pronunciation: Start with the Vowels
- Consonants & Special Sounds
- Useful Māori Words & Phrases for Visitors
- How to Pronounce Popular Place Names
- Māori Words You’ll See on Signs
- Easy Māori Words for Travellers to Use
- Final Thoughts: Just Start Speaking!
Cracking Māori Pronunciation: Start with the Vowels
The key to getting Māori pronunciation right is nailing the vowel sounds. The good news? They’re consistent—so once you learn them, you’ll be able to pronounce most words with confidence.
• A – like the ‘a’ in car → e.g. papa (earth)
• E – like the ‘e’ in egg → e.g. kete (basket)
• I – like the ‘ee’ in tea → e.g. kiwi (yes, like the bird!)
• O – like the ‘o’ in four → e.g. roto (lake)
• U – like ‘oo’ in to → e.g. utu (price, cost)
Long vowels: If you see a macron (ā, ē, ī, ō, ū), just hold the sound a little longer.
For example:
• papa (earth) vs. pāpā (father)
Consonants & Special Sounds
Most consonants are pronounced the same as in English: h, k, m, n, p, r, t, w. But a couple have unique sounds to watch for:
• WH – Often sounds like an English ‘f’ (though some pronounce it as ‘wh’)
→ Whānau (far-no) – family
• NG – Like the ‘ng’ in sing, but it can appear at the beginning of words too
→ Ngā (ng-ah) – the
Useful Māori Words & Phrases for Visitors
While English is widely spoken throughout Aotearoa – New Zealand, learning a few te reo Māori words can really deepen your connection to the culture—and locals often light up when they hear someone give it a go.
Common Phrases
• Kia ora (key-a or-ah) – Hello! Also means thank you or good health
• Tēnā koe (teh-nah k-where) – A formal hello to one person
• Tēnā koutou (teh-nah koh-toe) – A formal hello to three or more
• Mōrena (more-ren-ah) – Good morning
• Ka kite anō (car key-teh agh-nor) – See you again
• Haere rā (high-reh rah) – Goodbye (to someone leaving)
• E noho rā (eh nor-haw rah) – Goodbye (to someone staying)
How to Pronounce Popular Place Names
Some Māori place names often get mispronounced—but here’s how to say them correctly. A good rule of thumb: “au” sounds like “o”.
• Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) – Tar-mar-key mar-ko-row
• Whangārei – Far-nga-ray
• Taupō – Toe-paw (not “Towel-po”)
• Whanganui – Far-ngah-nu-ee
• Tauranga – Toe-wrong-ah
• Rotorua – Row-tore-roo-ah
• Ōhakune – Or-ha-koo-knee
• Whakatāne – Far-car-tar-ne
• Ōtautahi (Christchurch) – Or-toe-tar-hee
• Te Waipounamu (South Island) – Tear why-po-nar-moo
Māori Words You’ll See on Signs
• Aotearoa (ow-te-a-roa) – New Zealand
• Nau mai, haere mai (No-my Hi-re-my) – Hello and welcome
• Ka kite anō (Car-key-teh agh-nor) – See you again
• Wharepaku (far-reh-par-koo) – Toilet
Easy Māori Words for Travellers to Use
• Whānau (far-no) – Family
• Tamariki (tar-mar-ree-key) – Children
• E hoa (e hor-ah) – Friend
• Iwi (ee-wee) – Tribe
• Āe (I) – Yes
• Kāo (car-oh) – No
• Aroha (agh-roar-ha) – Love
• Kia kaha (key-ah car-ha) – Be strong, stay strong
Final Thoughts: Just Start Speaking!
Learning even a few words of te reo Māori isn’t just practical—it’s a meaningful way to connect with the culture of Aotearoa. Whether you’re greeting someone with kia ora, ordering kai (food), or giving place names your best shot, every effort helps keep the language thriving.
So don’t overthink it—just give it a go. Chances are, you’ll be met with a warm smile and a bit of encouragement along the way.
Ko te reo te mauri o te mana Māori
The language is the life force of Māori identity.