Te reo Māori reference guide

Here are some te reo Māori words you may come across on our website or digital channels such as social media.

You may notice we use words such as Kiwi instead of Kiwis. This reflects te reo Māori, which does not include the letter “s” in its alphabet or use “s” to form plurals. We do this to show our respect for the language.

Some words or phrases are linked to the Māori Dictionary so you can learn more about the kupu and hear how they are pronounced.

Our definitions are based on how each kupu is used in context on our website, so they may not include every possible meaning. We acknowledge that te reo Māori includes regional dialects, and in particular recognise the dialect of Taranaki, our home base. For the purposes of our communications, we use widely understood, nationally recognised forms of te reo Māori. If you can’t find the word or meaning you’re looking for, visit the Māori Dictionary for more detailed definitions and pronunciation.