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Proverbs (or Whakatauki in Maori) play a huge role within Maori culture. From the telling of ancient stories, merging of historical events and everyday perspectives, these proverbs often have deep underlying meaning that is extremely influential in Maori culture.
So, as everyone could do with a few wise words now and again we’ve picked out five of our favourites for you to get your tongue around a before heading out to New Zealand.
- Whaia te iti kahuranga ki te tuahu koe me he maunga teitei – Aim for the highest cloud so that if you miss it, you will hit a lofty mountain.
- Whatungarongaro te tangata toi tu whenua – As man disappears from sight, the land remains. (This quote is used to demonstrate the utmost respect of Papatuanuku, the mother of the earth)
- Kaua e mate wheke mate ururoa – Don’t die like an octopus, die like a hammerhead shark. (Often used to encourage someone not to give up, no matter how hard the struggle)
- Kaore te kumara e whaakii ana tana reka – The kumara (sweet potato) does not say how sweet he is. (Showing the Maori’s desire for humbleness)
- Ko main kai atu ko maru kai mai ka ngohengohe - Give as well as take and all is well.
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