Whakataukī (Māori proverbs) carry the heart and wisdom of Māori culture, offering inspiration and everyday reminders. These poetic sayings often reference Aotearoa’s unique symbols, historical events, and universal themes of compassion, community, and the environment.

Fun to learn, whakataukī are also key to mastering te reo Māori. With plenty to explore, from short and sweet to longer phrases, here are a few easy whakataukī to get you started.

Boost your language skills using the Kupu o te ra – word of the day approach. Each day, pick up a new word or phrase that’s easy to use right away. It’s a laid-back way to build your vocabulary with practical, everyday language.

Click the button to whakarongo ki te kupu – hear the word on the Kupu Māori website.

Besides being a powerful way to express feelings, waiata (songs) are also great for learning te reo Māori. The catchy tunes and repeating lyrics make language learning fun and memorable. Explore waiata to see how it can inspire, educate, and connect you with Māoritanga (Māori culture). These waiata are regularly performed on the marae and at gatherings:

Kīwaha or slang are phrases you can amaze your friends, students, and family with. It’s a way to keep the language alive by using ancient phrases in a modern context.

Last year, our then Senior Leadership Team (SLT) shared their pepeha or korerō tuakiri as well as encouraging words about learning te reo.