More on te reo Maori (language) Quiz

Answer: a meeting

Hui is one of those words with a wide variety of meanings and can mean any semi-serious social gatherings. It can also be used if you are going to a funeral. Supermarket would be 'toa hokomaha' (toa is a loan-word from the English 'store') or 'whare hokomaha' (roughly speaking 'house where things are sold'); the beach (tātahi ) and if you're going dancing, enjoy your 'kanikani'.

Answer: Personal speech about you

A pepeha (or a 'mihi' in some areas) is an introduction giving your tribal affiliations, your genealogy and where you live. Generally given when you attend a meeting for the first time, it gives those listening the opportunity to place identify you and your family for any mutual links you may have.

There is a saying that all Maori are related. While the number of people in Aotearoa-NZ who identify as Maori is 17.5% many people with this proud heritage are scattered all over the world.

Answer: a donation

A 'koha' is an entirely voluntary donation, usually money given when visiting a host marae (community complex) or meeting to help with expenses. The hosts will have provided a substantial meal for every visitor, and occasionally accommodation as well. Whilst this is always offered freely, it will have cost the hosts a great deal, so any koha will be welcomed.
A koha is something given without cost to the receiver. I used to be an enthusiastic knitter and churned out dozens of hats, scarves and bed socks which I distributed as a koha to charity.

Answer: a song or songs

'Waiata' are an integral and enjoyable part of Maori life and often used as a 'garnish' after a speech. If you have given your 'pepeha' but haven't practised a song to finish it off, someone will call, 'Waiata!'
Waiata are also enjoyed at any times, a sing-along of old songs and new guarantees a happy end to any meeting. So be prepared.

Answer: the toilet

'Wharepaku' is a very useful word to know, especially if you are in an unfamiliar place. Saves you crossing your legs.

Answer: wait a minute

'Taihoa' is another ubiquitous word: 'Slow down, just a minute, hold on. When I first attended a Maori meeting (over 50 years ago now) I headed, with the others for the buffet table as soon as the lengthy speeches had finished. However, when I reached for a sandwich, my friend caught my arm, 'Taihoa!" and explained we could not eat until the karakia (prayers) had been said to bless the food. Oh, the shame.

But I never made the same mistake again.

Answer: an older person

In te ao Maori, the Maori world, elders are deeply respected and treated with dignity. They are an integral part of every gathering where their wisdom and knowledge are prized.

Answer: young children

Tamariki are generally children under 15, after which they are called rangatahi - young people. Tamariki is plural; one child is referred to as 'tamaiti'.
I have always loved children and worked in early childhood care for many years, so volunteering at the pre-school day care centre at my Marae (Community Centre) Te Kohanga Reo (The Language Nest) was a great joy.

Answer: visitors

All visitors or guests are called 'manuhiri' and warmly welcomed (even if you disagree with their politics!).

Answer: kindness, generosity, help

'Manaakitanga' is that lovely, warm feeling of being cared for, cared about and helped. It encompasses all the caring virtues of life and to show someone manaakitanga is as good as receiving it yourself.