Te Reo Māori is one of the three official languages of Aotearoa New Zealand. Learning even basic Te Reo helps you connect with the culture, history, and people of this land. Every word you learn is a step forward!
👋 Ngā Mihi — Greetings
Common Greetings
- Kia ora — Hello / Thank you / Be well
- Mōrena — Good morning
- Tēnā koe — Hello (to one person)
- Tēnā kōrua — Hello (to two people)
- Tēnā koutou — Hello (to three+ people)
- Haere mai — Welcome
- Haere rā — Goodbye (to person leaving)
- E noho rā — Goodbye (to person staying)
🔢 Ngā Tau — Numbers
1
tahi
tahi
2
rua
rua
3
toru
toru
4
whā
whā
5
rima
rima
6
ono
ono
7
whitu
whitu
8
waru
waru
9
iwa
iwa
10
tekau
tekau
🎨 Ngā Tae — Colours
whero
red
kākāriki
green
kikorangi
blue
kōwhai
yellow
mā
white
pango
black
💬 Useful Phrases
Everyday Phrases
- Kei te pēhea koe? — How are you?
- Kei te pai — I'm fine / Good
- Āe — Yes
- Kāo — No
- Tino pai — Very good / Excellent
- Ka pai — Good / Well done
- Ngā mihi — Thanks / Regards
- Aroha mai — Sorry / Excuse me
🗣️ Pronunciation Tips
Vowels
- a = "ah" (like "car")
- e = "eh" (like "bed")
- i = "ee" (like "see")
- o = "or" (like "paw")
- u = "oo" (like "shoe")
Remember: Every syllable ends with a vowel!
✏️ Activities
Activity: Practice Greetings
Practice saying these to a partner:
- Greet them: "Tēnā koe!"
- Ask how they are: "Kei te pēhea koe?"
- Reply: "Kei te pai, kia ora!"
- Say goodbye: "Haere rā!"
Write 3 new words you learned:
👩🏫 Teacher Notes
Curriculum Links
- Te Reo Māori: Communication
- Social Studies: Culture, identity
Resources: kupu.maori.nz