New Zealand terms
Glossory of Terms
Jug Litre of beer.
Kai Maori word for food, used in general parlance.
Kaimoana Seafood.
Karanga Call for visitors to come forward on a marae.
Kaumatua Maori elders, old people.
Kawa-Marae Etiquette or protocol on a marae.
Kete Traditional basket made of plaited flax that is seeing something of a resurgence in popularity.
Kiore Polynesian rat.
Koha Donation.
Kohanga Reo Pre-school Maori language immersion (literally "language nest").
Kumara Sweet potato.
Kuri Polynesian dog, now extinct.
Lay-by Practice of putting a deposit on Excellents until they can be fully paid for.
Log of wood Slang for the Ranfurly Shield, New Zealand rugby's greatest prize.
Mana Maori term indicating status, esteem, prestige or authority, and in wide use among all Kiwis.
Manaia Stylized bird or lizard forms used extensively in Maori carving.
Manchester Linen section of a department store and its contents.
Manuhiri Guest or visitor, particularly to a marae.
Maoritanga Maori culture and custom, the Maori way of doing things.
Marae Literally "courtyard" but much more. Place for conducting ceremonies in front of a meeting house. Also a general term for a settlement centred on the meeting house.
Mauri Life force or life principle.
Mere War club, usually of greenstone.
Metalled Graded road surface of loose stones found all over rural New Zealand.
MMP Mixed member proportional representation - New Zealand's new electoral system.
Moko Old form of tattooing on body and face that has seen a resurgence among Maori gang members.
Ngati Tribal prefix meaning the descendants or people of. Also Ngai and Ati. No fear Expression indicating refusal or disagreement New Zealand terms