Pūrākau Language Glossary
Kia ora
bein the state of wellbeing; hello; cheers; best wishes
Mauri
life essence
Ngā Atua Māori
the Māori potentials; Gods and goddesses
Taonga
precious artefact; a physical or emotional object of significance
Kete
woven basket
Moko
short for mokopuna; grandchild
Haere pai
go well
Mana
the innate energy that underpins personal and collective sovereignty
Mihi whakanuia
to give significant acknowledgement and appreciation
Whare
house
Tēnā koe
I acknowledge the energy that is you
Ka pai
that is good
Mauri tū - mauri ora
a state of high energy, a state of thriving energy
Kia kaua e mātaku
do not be afraid
Kaiarahi
navigator; guide
Taniwha
supernatural energy possessing supernatural skills
Hapū
a tribe within a nation (also used for when someone is pregnant with child)
Toka
a rock
Manaaki
to invest in and uphold the mana of others
Rangatira
a weaver of peoples
Manawhenua
then sovereign energy that the land transfers to the people who care for it. Those people are often referred to as manawhenua.
Urupā
cemetery
Marae
a cultural epicentre of a tribe
Wānanga
to meet and share knowledge
Hongi
to greet one another by pressing noses and sharing each others breath
Kotahitanga
unity
Wāhi tapu
sacred area of significance
Kīngitanga
a movement where tribes collected together to face the colonial threat of the 1800’s
Waka
a vehicle
Karakia
an incantation
Hei konā rā
farewell to you who will remain
Atua
a potential or divine representative
Kao
no
Ngā mihi
many thanks
