Glossary

Most of the Māori words used in this report are in common use in New Zealand. We provide this glossary for the benefit of our overseas readers.

Hapū – Kinship group – section of a large kinship group and the primary political unit in traditional Māori society. A number of related hapū usually shared adjacent territories forming a looser tribal federation (iwi).

Hui – Gathering, meeting, assembly, seminar, conference.

Iwi – Extended kinship group, tribe – often refers to a large group of people descended from a common ancestor and associated with a distinct territory.

Kaitiaki – Guardian, steward.

Kaitiakitanga – Guardianship, stewardship.

Karakia – To recite ritual chants, say grace, recite a prayer.

Kaumātua – Elder, elderly man, elderly woman, a person of status.

Koha – Gift, present, offering, donation, contribution.

Koura – Freshwater and salt-water species of crayfish.

Mahinga kai – Garden, cultivation, food-gathering place.

Mana – Prestige, authority, control, power, influence, status.

Mana whenua – Authority over land or territory – also refers to the people who exercise that authority.

Manaakitanga – Hospitality, kindness, generosity, support – showing respect and care for others.

Marae – The open area in front of the wharenui (meeting house) where formal greetings and discussions take place. Often also used to include all the buildings around the marae.

Maunga – Mountain, mount, peak.

Mauri – Life principle, vital essence – the essential quality and vitality of a being or entity. Also used for a physical object, individual, ecosystem, or social group in which this essence is located.

Pākehā – English, foreign, European. Used to describe a New Zealander of European descent.

Rangatiratanga – Chieftainship, right to exercise authority, chiefly autonomy, chiefly authority, ownership, leadership of a social group.

Raupatu – Conquest, confiscation.

Rōpū – Group, party of people, company, organisation.

Rūnanga – Tribal council.

Tangata whenua – Local people, people of the land.

Taonga – Treasure, anything prized.

Tapu – Sacred, prohibited, restricted, set apart, forbidden.

Tikanga – Custom, way, values, and practices.

Waka – Canoe.

Whānau – Family group.