A Quick Maori Lesson.

   The Maori culture is everywhere in New Zealand. I love that it has such a strong presence. I also really love the culture, and I think it is so cool and interesting. Maori influence can be found in art, clothing, traditions, sports, and of course language.

   Here are some Maori words and phrases that are used in everyday NZ:

-       Aotearoa – New Zealand. translates to "the land of the long white cloud"

-       kia ora – G'day!

-       koha - donation. as in, "entry by koha"

-       haere mai – welcome

-       haere ra - farewell

-       haka – war dance and chant. the All Blacks perform the haka before every rugby game to psych out their competitors. it's really cool!

-       aroha – love

-       whakapapa – family

-       pakeha – NZ White European. it's not derogatory though!

-       wahine/tane – woman/man. usually on bathroom doors.

-       mauri ora – good health. I think it's similar to saying "take care."

-       waka – canoe

-       whenua - land

The All Blacks haka. It even has translations for those of us that don't speak Maori! :)
   What a cool culture! I am so glad I'm here and have the chance to experience it first hand. Although New Zealand is an English speaking country, it is nothing like the US!