English is the main written and spoken language in New Zealand. The ability to read, speak, write and understand English to a relatively high level makes living and working in New Zealand easier and more fulfilling. Our language is very informal and relaxed and, like you, we also use unique slang words to describe everyday things.
The Māori language, also officially recognised, is experiencing a significant renaissance, with over 4 percent of the population able to speak it fluently. Specialised schools, radio stations and a television channel dedicated to the language have all helped arrest a serious decline in its use. More and more we’re seeing Māori words becoming part of the general language used by all Kiwis, for example kapai ("kar pie"
) = good, whanau ("far know"
) = a family group, manakai ("ky"
) is food.
The Haka
The haka is a generic term for Māori dance – and can portray everything from a challenge to a welcome, from exultation to defiance.
The most famous haka, and one adapted and performed by our national sporting teams before every match, is Ka Mate which was composed by legendary Māori Chief, Te Rauparaha (“Teh ddow paddah hah”
). Fleeing for his life from warriors of a rival tribe, Te Rauparaha was hidden in a vegetable pit by another chief friendly to him (a man with significant facial hair). The chasing warriors never discovered him and after climbing from the pit, he composed Ka Mate as a tribute to the Chief who saved him.
Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!
Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!
Tenei te tangata puhuru huru
Nana nei i tiki mai
Whakawhiti te ra
A upa…ne! Ka upa…ne!
A upane kaupane whiti te ra! Hi!!!
I die! I die! I live! I live!
I die! I die! I live! I live!
This is the hairy man
Who fetched the sun
And caused it to shine again
One upward step! Another upward step!
An upward step. Another… the sun shines.