A Visitor’s Guide to Te Reo Māori and Tikanga Māori

Whether you're a local or a visitor wanting to deepen your connection with Māori culture, grasping the basics of te reo Māori and tikanga Māori (Māori customs) will enhance your experience in Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland).

The Importance of Te Reo Māori

Te reo Māori belongs to the Polynesian language family, sharing similarities with Cook Islands Māori, Tahitian, and Hawaiian. It is the second most spoken language in Aotearoa, with thousands of children completing their schooling in full-immersion education each year. Although dialectical variations exist across the country, the language remains fundamentally the same, which has helped aid revival efforts over the last 50 years. Despite the impact of colonisation, the language has made a strong resurgence and is now woven into daily life in Aotearoa. 

Te reo Māori is increasingly seen and heard throughout the wider community, in media, government, education, and everyday conversations. Even non-speakers naturally incorporate Māori words into everyday speech, such as whānau (family), kai (food), whare (house), waka (vehicle), tamariki (children), kura (school), and mahi (work). Learning a simple phrase like "Kia ora" (Hey) or "Ngā mihi" (Thanks) can help build meaningful connections and demonstrate respect and openness in your interactions.
 

Pronouncing Te Reo Māori

Learning correct pronunciation will boost your confidence in using te reo Māori and in recognising names and words as you travel. The language has five vowels, each with a short and long version (the long version is indicated with a macron - ā, ē, ī, ō, ū):

Key Pronunciation Tips:

• R is lightly rolled.​​​​
• Ng is pronounced like the "ng" in singer.
• Wh is often pronounced like "f".

For longer words, break them into smaller sound chunks. For instance, Karangahape (a well-known street in Auckland) can be divided into Ka-ra-nga-ha-pe. Start slowly, then blend the sounds. For additional assistance, check out maoridictionary.co.nz, which features audio pronunciations.

Tikanga Māori: Understanding Cultural Protocols

Tikanga refers to customs and practices. ‘Tika’ means ‘to be right’, so tikanga emphasises the correct way of doing things from a Māori perspective. Tikanga Māori includes values and practices passed down through generations, integral to Māori culture. Here are five key cultural concepts that shape Māori interactions with the world. 

• Whakapapa (genealogy) links us to our ancestors, the land, and each other, reinforcing interconnectedness and shared responsibility for people and the environment. Māori society includes three groups: whānau (extended family), hapū (sub-tribe), and iwi (tribe).
• Every individual has mana. It reflects their reputation, authority and influence, which grow through contributions to the community over time. This is often respected and acknowledged during gatherings and ceremonies.
• Tapu (restricted or sacred) and noa (unrestricted or everyday) are key concepts that govern Māori practices. Certain things, places or activities are tapu, like the body, while others, like food, are noa. Because of this, it’s essential to keep them in balance. For example, sitting on tables where food is eaten, grooming where food is prepared, or taking food into bathing spaces are inappropriate.
• Whanaungatanga (relationships) is based on whakapapa, emphasising the importance of connections. However, whanaungatanga extends beyond family ties and includes relationships formed through shared experiences. 
• Manaakitanga (hospitality) underpins all tikanga, highlighting the value of caring for others. It includes making others feel welcome and at home, which is often shown by providing and sharing kai (food). Manaakitanga is an essential behaviour rooted in aroha (love and compassion).

These concepts guide daily interactions, ensuring respect, responsibility, and care are central to Māori life. Engaging with Māori communities and adhering to tikanga Māori fosters meaningful connections.

Exploring Māori Culture with Treasures of Tāmaki

The Treasures of Tāmaki initiative showcases Māori-owned businesses and experiences, providing meaningful engagement with te ao Māori (the Māori world). Whether through storytelling, food, or guided tours, these experiences offer an authentic connection to Māori culture.

Must-Visit Treasures:

• Te Hana Te Ao Mārama – Step back in time with immersive Māori storytelling and performances.
• The Haka Experience – Engage with the powerful world of haka, the renowned Māori dance.
• Time Unlimited Tours – Explore Auckland with Māori hosts who share the landscape's rich stories.
• Blue Rose Café & Catering – Enjoy Māori and Pasifika-inspired cuisine.
• Te Pou Theatre – Experience Māori performing arts in a dedicated Māori theatre space.

This is just a glimpse of the many experiences available, with more Treasures of Tāmaki continually added. Get ready for your visit and undertake the Visitor Promise - an immersive digital experience to prepare you for an authentic journey through Aotearoa. Gain foundational cultural knowledge to respectfully engage and connect with the Māori community and visitor experiences.