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Kaupapa Whaipanga
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Nga Mihi - Greetings
In Maori culture greeting others is very important. It is an opportunity for people to show respect, through the language used and its accompanying actions, and the tone for the interaction is set. Whether the greeting is written or spoken, choosing the appropriate language is important.
Learning to greet people appropriately is key to communication success.
Greetings
- Kia ora
- Hi
- Tena koe
- Hello (to one person)
- Tena korua
- Hello (to two people)
- Tena koutou
- Hello (to three or more people)
Inquiring Question
- Kei te pehea koe?
- How are you?
Responses
- Kei te pai ahau
- I’m good
- Ka nui te ora
- I’m great
- Me koe?
- And you?
Farewells
- Haere ra
- Goodbye (to someone leaving)
- E noho ra
- Goodbye (to someone staying)
- Ka kite ano
- See you again
- Hei kona
- See you later
Now that you have a general idea about greetings, try out our interactive conversations.
Or find out about Maori protocol like for visiting a marae or meeting house.
- Powhiri: A Maori welcoming ceremony
- Karanga: The call inviting visitors to enter the marae or meeting place
- Whaikorero: Maori oratory
- Mihimihi: Less formal greetings
- Marae Visits: What to do on the marae
You can also join the online Maori Language Club.