One of the action points the Maori Tertiary Education Framework promotes in supporting tauira Māori (Māori students) is biliteracy.
Here are some kupu Māori (Māori words) you can use within the classroom environment:
Words to sprinkle through your English
| Mahi | Work |
| Kaiako | Teacher |
| Tauira/Tauira Mā | Student/students |
| Ākonga | Student |
| Whare pukapuka/whare mātauranga | Library |
| Wānanga | Tertiary institute (Wintec is a wānanga) |
| Roro hiko | Computer |
| Take/kaupapa | Topic/subject |
| Patai | Question |
| Ako | Learn (and teach) |
| Mātauranga | Knowledge |
Introducing yourself
| Ko Merren ahau | I'm Merren |
| Nō Mōtueka ahau | I'm from Mōtueka |
| Kei Whaingaroa e noho ana |
I live in Whaingaroa (Raglan). NB. The Māori name for Hamilton is Kirikiriroa |
General phrases
| Kia ora | Hello/Thank you |
| Aroha mai | I'm sorry |
| Pehea tō rā? | How as your day been? |
| Kei te pehea koe? | How are you? |
| Aua/Kāore au e mōhio | I don't know |
Instructions
| Titiro mai | Look at me |
| Whakarongo mai | Listen to me |
| Kōrero mai | Talk to me |
| Tuhituhia tenei | Write this down |
| Titiro ki tō roro hiko | Look at your computer |
| E noho | Sit down |
| E tū | Stand up |
| Kōrerorero | Discuss (good to use when you're organising group work) |
| Taihoa | Wait |
Praise
| Tika! | Correct! |
| Tino pai! | Very good! |
| Tino pai rawa atu! | Excellent! |
| Ka pai! | Well done! |
| Ka rawe! | How lovely! |
| Mīharo! | Wonderful! |
Useful phrases for the classroom
| I ō whakāro |
In your thoughts (it’s an invitation to think). Follow it up with a question: “I ō whakāro, what’s the best way to show your kaiako (tutor) that you have researched a topic thoroughly?” |
| Kaua e whakamā |
Don't be shy embarrased: Use when you haven't had a response to a question, or you're asking the class or individuals to do an activity that takes them out of their chairs. |
| Kaua e wareware |
Don't forget: Use to emphasise important information. |
| Kia kaha |
Be strong: Use to encourage |
| Kia toa |
Be brave: Use to encourage |
| Ka taea e koe/koutou | You can do it (one person/to whole class) |
| Kua mārama? | Understood? |
| Kua mutu?/Kua mutu koutou (katoa)? | Finished? Are you (all) finished? |
| Kua reri?/Kua reri koutou (katoa)? | Ready?/Are you (all) ready? |