The Maoris of the South Island

Glossary of Maori Words

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Atua:	A supernatural influence, a god, a demon.
E noho:	Sit down, or remain there; good-bye by a person departing.
Haka:	A dance.
Hapu:	Clan, section of a clan.
Hongi:	To salute by touching noses.
Hui:	Coming together of a tribe or tribes; the occasion for discussing matters, marked by hospitality.
Kaika:	Place of abode.
Kapai:	Good.
Korero:	Discussion.
Kuri:	Dog.
Mana:	Influence, power, prestige.
Makutu:	To bewitch, to cast a spell.
Marae:	A wide open space in a village, distinguished guests are received in the “Marae.”
Mere:	A short stone weapon.
Mokihi:	Raft of flax sticks and reeds.
Muru:	Plunder, confiscation, “clean the slate.”
Noa:	Free from tapu; whakanoa is the act of removing the tapu.
Nui:	Large, great.
Pa:	A fortified place.
Pakeha:	A stranger, a foreigner.
Piu piu:	A garment of kilt form, made of twisted flax.
Puka puka:	Book.
Rangatira:	A chief.
Rangi:	The sky, the heavens.
Raupo:	Bulrushes.
Tapu:	Under restriction, sacred.
Taniwha:	A fabulous monster.
Tangi:	To weep—a lament, to mourn.
Tangi-wai:	Tear drop.
Tiki:	A greenstone figure, or of carved wood.
Taua:	A war party.
Tohunga:	Priest or wizard.
Utu	Ransom, compensation.
Wahine:	A woman, in particular a married woman; hine is a girl.
Waiata tangi:	A song of lamentation.
Whare:	A house.
Whare karakia:	A house of worship.
Waipiro:	Stinking or rotten water; a term for spirituous liquors.

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