Whakataukī

Whakatauki

Whakataukī (proverbs) play a large role within Maori culture. They are used as a reference point in speeches and also as guidelines spoken to others day by day. It is a poetic form of the Maori language often merging historical events, or holistic perspectives with underlying messages which are extremely influential in Maori society.

Proverbs are very fun to learn and loaded with advantages within language learning. They can be interpreted as you see fit, and as your Maori improves try translating them to dive deeper in their meanings. There are countless proverbs and it will be very useful for you to remember as much as you can. Below are some of the many that exist.

• He iwi tahi tātou - Together we are one people

• He waka eke noa - We are all in this canoe together

• Whiria te tangāta - Weave the people together

• Whaowhia te kete mātauranga - Fill your basket of knowledge

                 Whaowhia te kete mātauranga.mp3

• Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou - Seek after learning for the sake of your wellbeing

                 Whāia te mātauranga hei oranga mō koutou.mp3

• Mai i te kōpae ki te urupa, tātou ako tonu ai - From the cradle to the grave we are forever learning

• I orea te tuatara, ka patu ki waho - A problem is solved by continuing to find solutions

                I orea te tuatara ka patu ki waho.mp3

• He aroha whakatō he aroha puta mai - If kindness is sown then kindness you shall receive